iPadOS 17 Adds Support for Studio Display Webcam and Other External USB Cameras

[MacRumors]

Starting with iPadOS 17, the built-in camera on the Studio Display and other external displays can be used with iPads for FaceTime calls and other video purposes. This functionality is available on any iPad model equipped with a USB-C port.

As it turns out, this feature actually goes beyond external displays. In its Platforms State of the Union video for developers, Apple revealed that any USB-C webcam can now be used with iPads on a plug-and-play basis, as demonstrated in the video below from Stephen Robles. USB-A webcams are also supported with an adapter.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1666075378098532353

iPadOS 17 is available in beta for anyone with an Apple developer account, and the update will be publicly released later this year.

Article Link: iPadOS 17 Adds Support for Studio Display Webcam and Other External USB Cameras

 

[3530025]

That's great, but what about audio output switching?

Now it defaults to the HDMI output and can't be switched to anything other than bluetooth.

 

[ShivneelSingh]

I’m waiting for an update where we can plug the iPad Pro into the Studio Display while allowing to keep the iPad screen in sleep mode. Similar to keeping the lid closed on the MacBook while connected to the Studio Display.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

does it finally add HRR support ? 120hz+

kinda silly that it can do 6k60 but not 4k144

 

[cjgrif]

iPadOS 17 is available in beta for anyone with an Apple developer account, and the update will be publicly released later this year.

Shouldn't this be "anyone with an Apple developer account"? Or do I misunderstand the linked article?

 

[steve09090]

I want it on TVOS so I can use the TV in a Facetime.

edit: finally. It appears it kinda has.

 

[klasma]

It would be nice if iPads could be used as monitors in general.

 

[Paddle1]

I'm guessing this isn't supported on Lightning devices?

 

[xraydoc]

As a Studio Display owner, this makes me happy.

Now make it work with Continuity Camera and we'll be all set!

 

[seek3r]

It would be nice if iPads could be used as monitors in general.

I know it's not quite the same as basically plugging in any generic HDMI source, but I absolutely use my iPad as a second monitor on my laptop when traveling right now using sidecar

 

[klasma]

I know it's not quite the same as basically plugging in any generic HDMI source, but I absolutely use my iPad as a second monitor on my laptop when traveling right now using sidecar

I know, but for example there's no way to connect a Blu-ray player to an iPad for playback, or a non-Apple computer like a Raspberry Pi.

 

[seek3r]

I know, but for example there's no way to connect a Blu-ray player to an iPad for playback, or a non-Apple computer like a Raspberry Pi.

for windows at least there's https://www.duetdisplay.com/#download

 

[klasma]

for windows at least there's https://www.duetdisplay.com/#download

Yes, I know all that. But the iPad still can’t serve as a generic display.

 

[seek3r]

Yes, I know all that. But the iPad still can’t serve as a generic display.

Oh, I agree, and it would be nice, but I doubt it's happening :/

 

[jpsmith76]

I wonder if this means we can use those cheap endoscope cameras that previously only worked on Android phones?

 

[zapmymac]

So I can plug any usb webcam directly into my iPad Pro? This could be handy!

The pandemic (sadly) has spurred the market for better quality webcams, this new nice option from Apple should further promote webcams.

 

[svish]

Very good!! Will be useful.

 

[GaryMumford]

Shouldn't this be "anyone with an Apple developer account"? Or do I misunderstand the linked article?

Nope. The statement is correct. At the moment iPadOS 17 is available in "beta" for anyone with an Apple developer account, but it is not available in "beta" for anyone with an Apple account, and never will be. Anyone without a Developer account will have to wait for the "public beta", which may be slightly different the the "beta" and is not available yet.

 

[woolypants]

Hmmm... If more than once USB-C webcam can be connected, then there's potential for the iPad to be a wired security camera hub. It will depend on whether iPadOS allows access to those cameras simultaneously. I doubt that part of the concept.

 

[idmean]

SideCar?

 

[woolypants]

This could be a huge thing for streamers. You know, those that charge monthly subscription fees and have mostly guys. Also, great for swingers too who want to share their efforts.

 

[islade]

This is working perfectly with a Fujifilm X-H2 connected directly, as well as a generic HDMI-to-USB Webcam dongle!

 

[DMinTX]

With FaceTime coming to tvOS, this seems like a great feature to add the Apple TV as well.

 

[dpfenninger]

That's great, but what about audio output switching?

Now it defaults to the HDMI output and can't be switched to anything other than bluetooth.

I second this request. Whenever I connect my 2018 11" Pro to my docking station, it always defaults to selecting one specific audio output coming out of the dock (where my wired headphones are connected), but I'd like to choose a different audio output (where my desktop speakers are connected), and there is no current way to change it. I may install the iPadOS 17 DP just to see if they've added this.

 

[Stuey3D]

Works with capture cards too, got my Elgato HD60X running on it. Runs cropped and mirrored though, and unfortunately none of the settings for the external device appear so no changing resolutions etc but as a first beta and lets be honest a device that it was never designed for it works.

If developers such as Twitch or Youtube update their apps I wouldn't be surprised if you'd be able live stream your console from an iPad in a future iOS update.