Apple Details macOS Ventura and iOS 16 Continuity Camera Feature

[A.wang28]

If MacRumors or any other single source of information is your one and only source for knowledge and you expect 100% from any one of them, then the problem is not with MacRumors.

Did MacRumors suggest this would work with any iOS 16 capable iPhone in error? Or did they just not provide enough detail for you?

Macrumour summarised the support document, but left out what I’d consider an important requirement for the iPhones that was worth pointing out. This iPhone requirement wasn’t well published before today, so I am not surprised macrumour didn’t pick it up. Most older articles about this feature didn’t mention this iPhone requirement. I looked because I am still using iPhone X.
So all I was saying was that macrumour could’ve updated their article to include the most recent published requirement. Otherwise it feels like a rushed attempt to regurgitate a support document.

 

[vtvincent]

Additionally, users must be signed into the same Apple ID on both devices...

Well, looks like I'll be sticking with Camo.

 

[kiranmk2]

Macrumour summarised the support document, but left out what I’d consider an important requirement for the iPhones that was worth pointing out. This iPhone requirement wasn’t well published before today, so I am not surprised macrumour didn’t pick it up. Most older articles about this feature didn’t mention this iPhone requirement. I looked because I am still using iPhone X.
So all I was saying was that macrumour could’ve updated their article to include the most recent published requirement. Otherwise it feels like a rushed attempt to regurgitate a support document.

Exactly, I looked for this a few weeks ago and could find no information, even on Apple's site.

 

[Zacarias5]

Apple has detailed macOS Ventura's and iOS 16's new Continuity Camera feature in a recently published support document, offering details, instructions, and tips for the feature.

Continuity Camera is a new feature in macOS Ventura that allows users to use an iPhone as a webcam on their Mac. Continuity Camera works wirelessly or wired in FaceTime, Zoom, and other apps. With Continuity Camera, users will get video directly from their iPhone camera, which has significantly better quality than the built-in camera on Macs.

Continuity Camera also allows users to use different effects from their iPhones. For the first time on Mac, for example, users can use the Wide Camera on the iPhone to enable Center Stage. Studio Light, Portrait mode, and Desk View, which simultaneously shows a user's desk and face, are also available.

To attach an iPhone to a MacBook, users can purchase a new Belkin iPhone mount that attaches an iPhone to the top bezel of a MacBook. The mount retails for $29.95 and is available on Apple's online store.

According to the support document, users will need an iPhone running iOS 16 or later and a Mac with macOS Ventura to use Continuity Camera. Additionally, users must be signed into the same Apple ID on both devices with two-factor authentication enabled, and Bluetooth or Wi-Fi must also be enabled.

Article Link: Apple Details macOS Ventura and iOS 16 Continuity Camera Feature

Continuity Camera image quality is stunning compared to the MBP camera. Yes it is an odd work around. Yes it feels a bit scary to hang my expensive iPhone 13 Pro Max off the back of the thin edge of the laptop screen with the very thin tab on Belkin iPhone mount. The Belkin magnetic mount does not give a lot of confidence to be honest. But the video quality is Very much improved.

Now I need to figure out how to access these other features like change to Wide Camera on the iPhone to enable Center Stage, Studio Light, Portrait mode, and Desk View.

 

[paulrustad]

Honest question: why is the lowest iphone you can use is the XR, but the X is functionally equivalent ?

 

[error]

I've used Continuity Camera for the first time in an actual Microsoft Teams meeting (with that Belking-thing) and it worked perfectly. Image quality way better than the camera in my 2018 MacBook Pro.

And yes, it works in clamshell mode (which I never use).

 

[Zacarias5]

I've used Continuity Camera for the first time in an actual Microsoft Teams meeting (with that Belking-thing) and it worked perfectly. Image quality way better than the camera in my 2018 MacBook Pro.

And yes, it works in clamshell mode (which I never use).

Looks awkward, but as more and more try it in real life, I think many will be surprised when they see the level of quality

Can you describe your setup using Continuity Camera in clamshell mode? I assume you were using with an external monitor attached to your 2018 MBP?

Also have you figured out how to turn on Studio Light, Portrait mode, and Desk View? Or are those features for a later firmware update?

 

[Nicole1980]

Well, I think it’s more to do with the hardware. You laptop lid is pretty thin, thinner than any iPhone. If you wanted a better camera in there, you’d probably need a camera bump, on your Mac. While we tolerate this on a phone, I think a camera bump on my laptop would be pretty undesirable.

That doesnt explain the crappy camera in the new iMacs

 

[MacFan782040]

Used it last night on a Zoom call - using my M1 Macbook - honestly I thought I'd notice more of a difference. It's very minor. Using studio light helps, but meh. They need it for the Studio Display and that garbage camera.

 

[Zacarias5]

Continuity Camera. I'm all in. I've used it now with M1 Max MBP FaceTime, Zoom and Google Meet for professional meetings. People do notice the IQ difference on the other end unprompted. A few asked if I bought a new computer ha ha.

 

[lovehateapple]

This looks so goofy and unapple like. I will never be using this feature. I am hoping PassKeys will allow me to use FaceID on my iphone to authenticate signing into websites on my mac, but I would still never hang my phone off the back of my laptop.

 

[lovehateapple]

Is it weird that I don't plan on using this feature at all?

No

 

[Zacarias5]

This looks so goofy and unapple like. I will never be using this feature. I am hoping PassKeys will allow me to use FaceID on my iphone to authenticate signing into websites on my mac, but I would still never hang my phone off the back of my laptop.

It does look awkward. But I got over that quickly when I actually used it. I do however have to mind the hanging iPhone. An inadvertent bump say by someone in a coffee shop or other busy environment could result in a drop 😳

 

[Nicky G]

All this because they were too cheap to put decent built-in cameras in their laptops or iMacs

My MacBook Pro 14" M1 Pro camera is great, I consistently have better video quality on calls than anyone who's not using a dedicated DSLR or mirrorless.

With that said, it seems like the new display's camera leaves a lot to be desired, and a lot of the older models' cameras, before the 1080p upgrades, were garbage.

 

[SteveJobs2.0]

This is so dumb. Why the heck would anyone use this over the built in cameras?

As people have mentioned multiple times in this thread, because it produces drastically better video quality.

 

[dbwie]

Ahh, thank you for posting this. I was wondering why that wouldn't work. Can you tell us the model and brand of the tripod you use please?

Gosh, I don’t remember the manufacturer, but I do know it is an available accessory sold in Apple stores and through the apple store app.

 

[dbwie]

I had my Macbook in clamshell mode, and connected to a studio display. You can manually select which camera and microphone you want to use with the macbook lid closed. In my case, I wanted to use the studio display microphone and the iPhone camera and that works.

 

[dbwie]

As people have mentioned multiple times in this thread, because it produces drastically better video quality.

Using the iphone camera is easier to walk around or pan around my living space, can’t do that with my apple studio display. Also better quality camera, can put the camera wherever you want (close up to face, wherever). A lot more flexibility than built in camera

 

[macrumor1]

Needs MagSafe charging to be useful.

 

[Zacarias5]

I had my Macbook in clamshell mode, and connected to a studio display. You can manually select which camera and microphone you want to use with the macbook lid closed. In my case, I wanted to use the studio display microphone and the iPhone camera and that works.

Thank you. 👍🏼 I'm about to try the same configuration with my Studio Display.

 

[vbctv]

Just ordered a mount on Amazon that I can put on my monitor.

CloudValley Magnetic Laptop Phone Holder, Adjustable Continuity Camera Mount Compatible with MagSafe & for iOS 16 / macOS 13 Ventura, Slim Portable Computer Expansion Bracket for Smartphone, Black

Compatibility: CloudValley magnetic Laptop Phone Holder for iPhone 15 Pro Max / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 / 14 Pro Max / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 / 13 Pro Max / 13 Pro / 13 / 13 Mini / 12 Pro Max / 12 Pro / 12 / 12 Mini and Applicable to MagSafe Cases.

www.amazon.com

I already noticed Amazon has many different mounts available for both monitors and laptops. So they're going to come quickly. It seems like it will be a popular feature... I used it during beta but you really do need a mount because the phone needs to be higher than you the way the camera works. A tripod on your desk will probably not work from my testing...

 

[ignatius345]

All this because they were too cheap to put decent built-in cameras in their laptops or iMacs

Do you really expect them to put a camera as good as the rear-facing ones on a modern iPhone onto a Mac? Because if they did I'm sure people would be griping because their Mac was $100 more expensive.

Fact is, the webcams in current Macs are good enough for most people, and for those who need more, now there's a way to leverage a high-end camera you might already own by downloading an OS update that was free. Hard to imagine people bitching about that, but here we are.

 

[MacFan782040]

Just ordered a mount on Amazon that I can put on my monitor.

CloudValley Magnetic Laptop Phone Holder, Adjustable Continuity Camera Mount Compatible with MagSafe & for iOS 16 / macOS 13 Ventura, Slim Portable Computer Expansion Bracket for Smartphone, Black

Compatibility: CloudValley magnetic Laptop Phone Holder for iPhone 15 Pro Max / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 / 14 Pro Max / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 / 13 Pro Max / 13 Pro / 13 / 13 Mini / 12 Pro Max / 12 Pro / 12 / 12 Mini and Applicable to MagSafe Cases.

www.amazon.com

I already noticed Amazon has many different mounts available for both monitors and laptops. So they're going to come quickly. It seems like it will be a popular feature... I used it during beta but you really do need a mount because the phone needs to be higher than you the way the camera works. A tripod on your desk will probably not work from my testing...

How does that mount to the back of the Studio Display, for example? Suction cup? Sticky? What made you buy this one over the others on Amazon?

 

[vbctv]

How does that mount to the back of the Studio Display, for example? Suction cup? Sticky? What made you buy this one over the others on Amazon?

Sticky and it flips so you can use the phone front facing or back facing. So if I'm not using continuity camera and just want my phone showing towards me.
Also I like that the mount moves so it can be used above my monitor or on the side, whichever I prefer at the time.

 

[ignatius345]

This is so dumb. Why the heck would anyone use this over the built in cameras?

Shocking news, but other people may have different priorities and work flows than you. I probably will rarely use this myself, but I'm not out here begrudging the addition of a feature that others might find useful.