This year, Apple is expanding its Continuity Camera feature with macOS Ventura and iOS 16. Users will now be able to use their iPhone as a Mac webcam for high-quality wireless connectivity. Follow along to learn how to use the Continuity Camera.
The Continuity Camera first appeared in macOS Mojave and allowed users to take pictures on an iPhone or iPad and display them instantly on a Mac. This has now been greatly improved with the ability to use the iPhone as a Mac webcam in the upcoming new software.
It really does offer a huge jump in performance over using the built-in webcam of a MacBook Air or Pro, iMac or Studio Display. And it’s probably better than most standalone webcams.
Here’s how Apple describes the new functionality:
With Continuity capabilities, your Mac can automatically recognize and use your iPhone’s camera when it’s nearby—without having to activate or select it—and your iPhone can even connect wirelessly to your Mac for more flexibility. The Continuity Camera brings innovative features to all Macs, including Center Stage, Portrait Mode, and new Studio Lighting, an effect that beautifully illuminates the user’s face and darkens the background. In addition, the Continuity Camera connects to the iPhone’s ultra-wide camera to enable Desk View, which simultaneously shows the user’s face and view of their desktop—great for DIY videos, FaceTime thumbnails, and more.”
iOS 16 and macOS Ventura are currently available as a developer beta. Free public beta versions should appear in July. Learn more about installing iOS 16 and macOS Ventura in our complete guides.
Another great way to use your iPhone as a Mac webcam is Reincubate’s Camo, especially if you don’t want to run betas to test Continuity Camera. This is a free download – basic features are free, advanced features are paid.
iPhone as a Mac Webcam: How the Continuity Camera Works
How to enable the Continuity Camera
With iOS 16 and macOS Ventura running, make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both your Mac and iPhone. Make sure your Mac and iPhone are signed in with the same Apple ID and using 2FA (for Apple). By default, the Continuity Camera is enabled. but you can make sure by going to the iPhone Settings app > General > AirPlay & Handoff > Continuity Camera Webcam and make sure it’s enabled. Bring your iPhone close to your Mac when launching FaceTime, Photo Booth, Zoom, or any other app that can use the camera (also in a web browser) Your Mac should automatically switch to use the iPhone’s rear camera. If it doesn’t automatically use the iPhone’s camera, click the video settings for whatever app you’re using and select your iPhone from the list (you can also use your iPhone’s microphone
Below is what will be displayed on your iPhone screen when using Continuity Camera. Even third party apps like Zoom work with “Automatic Camera Selection”.
iPhone like Mac webcam features
Once you use your iPhone as a Mac webcam with iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, you can access handy features like Center Stage, Portrait, Studio Light, or Desk View.
Click the Control Center icon in your Mac’s menu bar (two pill icon in the top right corner). Select “Video Effects” in the top left corner. Browsing is a little awkward, but interesting nonetheless. Desk View also currently opens in its own app.
The Continuity Camera works at least 40 feet away from the connected Mac. So you don’t need your iPhone to be within inches of your Mac to use this feature.
Continuity Camera Video Walkthrough
Check out a more in-depth look at using the iPhone as a Mac webcam with the Continuity Camera and more details in my colleague Miles’ video below!
iPhone mounts
During Apple’s WWDC keynote showing off the Continuity Camera, the company said it would be launching custom iPhone mounts through third parties.
In the meantime, there are two great options – flexible gooseneck iPhone mounts or Joby stands. And you can even make your own if you have a 3D printer:
What do you think of Continuity Camera on Mac? Is this what you are using or want to use? Or are you all set with the built-in or other existing Mac webcam? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Thank you for reading our guide to using iPhone as a Mac webcam with Continuity Camera!
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