Apple Studio Display camera doesn't work when MacBook is in clamshell mode

[farmaceut]

Hi,

For some unknown reason, the built-in camera on my Apple Studio Display (2026) doesn't work anymore. As far as I remember, it used to work a few months ago. It doesn't matter whether my MacBook Pro M3 (running macOS Tahoe) is in clamshell mode with the lid closed or not. The camera's green LED turns on, but nothing else happens — the camera preview just remains black.

The Studio Display itself remains connected and works normally as a display, and the MacBook is connected to power and external peripherals as required for clamshell mode.

Any idea what could be causing this?

 

[Bigwaff]

Possible to try a different Mac to ascertain whether it is MBP or ASD issue?

 

[benholt]

Before you rule out the display itself, check the Studio Display firmware first — System Settings > General > About > Studio Display. If an update is pending it can leave the camera pipeline in a bad state until it runs cleanly with the lid open on AC power. Firmware only downloads with the connected Mac awake, so a lot of people never see it complete because they close the lid the moment the desk is set up.
Second quick test: try Photo Booth specifically, not FaceTime or Zoom. Photo Booth talks straight to AVFoundation without an app-level permission layer, so if the preview shows up there the issue is in Privacy & Security > Camera for whatever app you were using. If Photo Booth is also black with the green LED lit, unplug the ASD from wall power (not just the Thunderbolt cable) for about a minute, then reconnect. That's the closest thing the display has to an SMC reset and it clears the camera daemon when it comes back up.

 

[jmt3]

I have the same issue with a MacBook Air M2 (OS X 15.7.2) and Studio Display. In the past, I had no problem doing video calls with the MBA in clamshell mode using a Samsung external monitor and USB Logitech webcam.

I upgraded to the Studio Display this spring. The only way to get the Studio Display's built in camera to work is to open up the MBA. It is frustrating, especially considering that the Studio Display is a premium product.

It appears my firmware is up to date. If anyone knows a solution to this, please share!