Two days after tons of information was processed about WWDC22, we are getting new details that interest all users. One of the features that surprised more than one was the new continuity camera feature for macOS Ventura. To learn more, Apple took the time to explain it to us, thanks to Karen Xing, a software developer.

Use your iPhone as a Mac webcam with Continuity Camera

Why did Apple consider a feature to include iPhone cameras? Not enough built-in camera on Macs? Alright, the truth is that Apple wants to improve the experience By taking advantage of the capabilities of iPhone lenses.

Applying effects to continuity camera in Zoom

macOS Ventura will be able to detect your device’s camera and microphone. Almost all applications will be integrated automatically. In theory, developers wouldn’t need to do anything for everything to work. Remember the different camera options in macOS Monterey? They’re also achieved with a continuity camera, specifically portrait mode, center stage effect (where the camera follows you if you move), and studio light. By changing the orientation of the iPhone from landscape to portrait or vice versa, everything will still work.

Latter, Apple will have an auto-select API that other apps can use. This means that macOS Ventura can switch the camera if it detects the iPhone in a dock and/or connects via WiFi via USB or Bluetooth.

Continuity camera and connections available via USB or WiFi

A new experience in the Apple environment

In case you didn’t know, there are apps that turn your device into a webcam, although they don’t offer much in terms of functionality. Apple’s continuity camera will offer complete integrity to such an extent that the Mac will be able to capture photos and videos via apps. It will take full advantage of the iPhone depending on the model you have, you can shoot 1920 x 1440 video at up to 60fps.

Another great feature is the desktop view. Thanks to the iPhone’s Super Ultra Wide Lens Elements that are visible on the surface you place can be displayed. An API will also be available that can allow further actions.

On a final note, and most importantly, all this will be available in iOS 16 and macOS 13. Many iPhones will be left out entirely due to lack of compatibility.