Resolved True Tone Location on Studio Display

[SpaceGrayAlways]

Hey all!

I am considering purchasing a third party camera cover for my Studio Display but want to ensure it won't inhibit the ability to use True Tone.

Though I know Apple's protections on ensuring their cameras don't get turned on without user consent are strong, I often worry about user error (starting up Zoom and not being at my desk for a work meeting for example...). As a result, I have been considering purchasing a third party camera cover.

Has anyone else has done this yet and can confirm whether or not this will inhibit the True Tone abilities of the display?

I can't find any specifications to indicate where exactly sensor is, and therefore am unsure if I would lose that ability?

 

[zach-coleman]

I believe that its somewhere on the top left side of the monitor, although I can no longer find the video where this was stated. When it arrives you should be able to find it by shining a flashlight on the top bezel, it'll make it stand out.

 

[SpaceGrayAlways]

I can't see much with a flashlight beyond the camera location. Any sense of if it was near the camera or not?

 

[zach-coleman]

Phrasing made it seem like it was at the mid point between the left edge and the webcam, so covering the cam *shouldn't* do anything. If its like the iPad it shows up as a small circle under a flashlight and considering the size of the screen it might be very hard to see.

 

[KandiMountain]

I can confirm there is a sensor in the top left corner of the bezel. I‘ve heard people test auto-brightness by covering that. Not sure if that same sensor would be used for true tone, but if it is, it‘s in a „safe“ distance from the camera.

 

[kinghuang]

I often use sticky notes to cover up cameras. Did this with my Studio Display yesterday, and it didn't affect True Tone or auto brightness.

 

[zach-coleman]

Not sure if that same sensor would be used for true tone, but if it is, it‘s in a „safe“ distance from the camera.

iPhone and iPad use the same sensor for Auto Brightness and True Tone so I presume it would be the same story here.

 

[SpaceGrayAlways]

Wonderful thanks so much. I did some more looking with a flashlight and see a orange/red (ish?) circle on the top left by the corner. Based on other folks descriptions here, I assume that this is the sensor.

I also tried something similar to @kinghuang and covered the camera then disabled and re-enabled true tone and it seemed to work fine, but it's good to know for sure that it isn't in the same location.

Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[Analog Kid]

Really good to know. I have this problem with my 16” MBP— covering the camera upsets the ambient light sensing. I guess it’s a result of packing all the tech into the notch. Glad the ASD doesn’t have the same limitation.