OpenAI is releasing a ChatGPT app for Mac first, beating Windows
OpenAI is debuting its own app for ChatGPT generative text for macOS users, and it will be released very shortly after the release event is over.ChatGPT is in the App Store nowTo date, ChatGPT has been available for Mac through third party apps. That is about to change.In its series of Monday announcements, the company declared that it will release a first-party Mac app on Monday. This will make the service is constantly available to macOS users. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple News+ subscribers get a new daily game and a new offline mode
On Monday, Apple announced that Apple News+ subscribers get a new, original spelling game called "Quartiles," and support for offline mode.Image Credit: AppleQuartiles plays similarly to Boggle, though it requires players to form words by connecting tiles that contain two to four letters. Users score points based on word length.New puzzles are released daily, and players can share Quartiles puzzles with other News+ subscribers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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UK newspapers tell Apple its 'web eraser' will put journalism at risk
Following AppleInsider's discovery that Safari will add the ability to selectively turn off online ads, UK newspaper groups have complained to Apple.Safari getting new AI tools in iOS 18The Safari feature AppleInsider uncovered in April 2024 will mean users can elect to automatically remove certain parts of web pages, most likely adverts. It's expected that the feature will be released as part of iOS 18, and it will be part of Apple's AI announcements at WWDC.According to the Financial Times, news of this feature has prompted the UK's News Media Association to complain. While the Financial Times says that a letter has been sent to Apple's government affairs chief in the UK, about this feature's threat to the future of journalism. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple's new macOS 14.5 update is out but brings only bug fixes
Apple has released macOS Sonoma 14.5, but it comes with very few visible updates.Following a round of beta test releases, which began in early April 2024, Apple has now publicly released macOS 14.5. AppleInsider always recommends waiting at least a few days before updating, to give time for other users to discover bugs — as they did with macOS 14.4.After that, it's best to install the new version in order to be sure of having the latest security updates.As with that last macOS 14.4 update, though, there are close to no visible differences in the new version. While macOS Sonoma 14.4 added new emoji, Apple has said only that this macOS 14.5 has bug fixes. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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ChatGPT arriving on the Mac in new desktop app from OpenAI ahead of WWDC
Today at OpenAI’s spring update keynote, the company announced that ChatGPT would soon become more easily accessible thanks to a brand new desktop app launching on the Mac. more…

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iPadOS 17.5 now available with support for new iPads
Apple has released iPadOS 17.5 with no user-facing updates beyond support for new iPad models and their feature set.iPadOS 17.5 is now availableAll eyes are on the EU and Apple's compliance with the DMA, so recent operating system updates have not had many features focused on the iPad. However, Apple did introduce new iPads and accessories during a video event on May 7, which means iPadOS 17.5 includes support for those products and features.Everyone else gets iPadOS 17.5, but there aren't any user-facing features. The usual bug fixes and performance improvements are cited in the release notes. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple TV owners can now update to tvOS 17.5
Apple has rolled out tvOS 17.5, a relatively minor update focused on bug fixes and performance upgrades.Apple TV 4KApple's release of tvOS 17.5 is now available to the public on Apple TV and Apple TV 4K after completing another beta testing cycle. As anticipated, there are no public-facing notes of interest for this specific release.While the version 17.4 release introduced support for SharePlay via Apple Music, it also introduced a bug that broke third-party Apple TV remote integration. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Back to School 2024: When and what is Apple’s back to uni deal?
Macworld Apple holds a Back to School promotion every year (now known as the Higher Education Offer to avoid confusion because it’s only open to students once they enter higher education, and the institutions and teachers, not school-age children). As part of the deal, Apple offers an incentive with purchases of qualifying Apple products. Apple’s ‘Back to School’ deal runs in various locations around the world during the summer months. The deal usually ends about a month after the first university semester begins in that country. Apple Higher Education Offer has already run in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and South Korea, where it started on January 4 and ran until March 13, 2024. The offer will likely start in June in the U.S. and Canada, and in July for the U.K. and Europe. It is likely that, when the deal starts up in the Northern Hemisphere, Apple will again give vouchers away with select product sales. In recent years Apple has tended to give away vouchers with qualifying purchases of iPads and Macs, but in the past the company has given away AirPods. Apple gave away vouchers in Australia and New Zealand this year, which was a change from 2023 when it gave away AirPods. However, Apple gave away AirPods or the Apple Pencil with certain purchases in Brazil and South Korea in 2024, so it’s still possible that Apple will switch back to AirPods for the deal in the Northern Hemisphere. Read on to find out when Apple’s Higher Education giveaway will start where you live and what the deal is likely to include. We also explain who qualifies and how to take advantage of Apple’s education deal. What is Apple’s Back To School offer? For a long time, Apple gave away a pair of AirPods with qualifying sales of certain Macs and iPads as part of its education promotion, but in the summers of 2022 and 2023 (at least in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Europe) Apple didn’t give away AirPods to students. Instead, Apple offered gift cards with qualifying purchases. Students get different gift card denominations depending on the products purchased. Not all Apple products are included in the offer. This means those taking advantage of the deal get more choice about what they spend their money on, rather than being limited to headphones. Apple also offers gift cards during its Black Friday shopping event. Apple doesn’t offer the same deal everywhere though. When Apple kicked off its student deal in Australia, New Zealand, and other Southern Hemisphere locations in January 2023, students in those countries were able to choose a free pair of AirPods with their qualifying purchase. But in January 2024 the deal was back to vouchers again, which can, of course, be exchanged for AirPods. However, those based in Brazil could still claim free AirPods with a Mac or free Apple Pencil with their iPad purchase in January-March 2024. This isn’t the only education-related saving Apple offers though. Apple doesn’t only offer education-related deals during the summer months. All products sold to students via Apple’s Education Store include a discount all year round, so you can always make a saving on Apple products, as long as you qualify. The summertime education-focused deal is in addition to these year-long discounts Apple offers to students and education institutions. We explain everything you need to know about getting a discount, including how much you can save as a student and how to use Apple’s Education Store, in our Guide to shopping in the Apple Education Store. We also have advice about the Best Mac for Students and the Best iPad for Students. You may also like to read our Apple student buying guide. Apple Back to School Sale Dates 2024 The Higher Education deal runs at different times depending on which side of the Earth you are based. Apple runs the promotion at different times in different places due to differences in when the school year starts around the globe. Apple runs the promotion in the southern hemisphere in the first few months of the year. Hence, if you live in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Brazil Apple’s deal ran from early January to March 13 2024. The same deal runs between June and late September/October in North America, and between July and October in Europe and the UK. In Australia and New Zealand the deal ran between January 4 and March 13, 2024. Apple’s Higher Education Offer will probably start around June 3, 2024 and run until September 30 in the U.S. In the U.K. and Europe, the deal is likely to run from July 15 to October 21, 2024. Apple Back to School Sale U.S. & Canada dates 2024 June 3 thru September 30 – ESTIMATE In 2023 the deal started on June 5 and ran until October 2 in North America, which was a longer period than traditionally. In 2022 the deal ran from June 24 to September 26, while in 2021 the deal ran from June 17 to September 27. In 2020 Apple launched the U.S. sale on 15 June with an end date set for 29 September, although Apple ended up extending the end date to October 12 instead, moving it to just a day before Amazon’s Prime Day, which took place over October 13-14, 2020. Apple Back to School Sale UK/Europe – dates 2023 July 15 to October 21, 2024 – ESTIMATE In 2023 the deal ran from July 13 to October 23. In 2022 Apple’s Higher Education Offer (aka Back to School Sale) started on July 14 and ran until Monday, October 20. Apple U.K.’s Back to School Sale in 2020 started on July 9 and lasted until October 29. Apple launched its 2019 sale on July 9, and its 2018 sale began on July 12. Apple Back to School Sale Australia/New Zealand/South America/South Korea 2024 January 4 to March 13, 2024 – CONFIRMED The dates in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Korea correspond with the new school year there. In 2023 the deal ran from January 18 to March 13. In 2022 the deal ran from January 6 to March 14, 2022. In 2021 the sale ran from January 7 to March 16. In 2023 the deal started a little later on January 18. What is Apple’s education offer in 2024? Apple tends to either give away vouchers or AirPods with qualifying purchases. Read on to find out what is likely to be Apple’s Back To School promotion where you are. Australia and New Zealand When the deal kicked off in Australia in early 2024 the offer included free Apple Gift Cards. This deal finished on March 13, 2024. Students could get a free gift card with the following purchases: AU$240 with a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or iMac AU$160 with a Mac mini AU$160 with an iPad Air or iPad Pro AU$120 with an iPad 10th Gen 20% off AppleCare+ is also available Visit Apple Australia’s website for more information. The terms and conditions of the deal in Apple Australia are here. There were similar gift voucher savings in New Zealand. Brazil and South Korea In Brazil and South Korea Apple gave away AirPods with Mac purchases and Apple Pencil with iPad purchases from January to March 13, 2024. What was Apple’s education offer in 2023? U.S. In the summer of 2023, U.S. students were able to get gift cards with qualifying Apple purchases. For summer 2023 students could get the following: Buy an iMac, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air and get a $150 Apple gift card. Buy a Mac mini and get a $100 Apple gift card. Buy a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 11-inch iPad Pro, or iPad Air and get a $100 Apple gift card. This is similar to summer 2022 when students could: Buy a MacBook Air, 13-inch, 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro, or a 24-inch iMac and get a $150 Apple Gift Card. Buy an iPad Air (5th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch or 12.9-inch, and get a $100 Apple Gift Card. The terms and conditions of the deal are here: U.S. Apple’s education discounts are available all year round. Visit the U.S. Education Store and Canada Education Store for more information. U.K. and Europe For summer 2023 students could get the following with qualifying Apple purchases: Buy an iMac, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air and get a £130/€150 Apple gift card. Buy a Mac mini and get a £100/€100 Apple gift card. Buy a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 11-inch iPad Pro, or iPad Air and get a £100/€100 Apple gift card. For summer 2022 students could: Buy an iPad Air (5th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch or 12.9-inch, and get a £80 Apple Gift Card. Buy a MacBook Air, 13-inch, 14-inch, or 16-inch MacBook Pro, or a 24-inch iMac and get a £120 Apple Gift Card. The terms and conditions of the deal are here: U.K. Apple’s education discounts are available all year round. Students and educators need to log in via UNiDAYS website to see the offers. Educational Store discounts are usually up to £280 for U.K. students. See Apple’s terms and conditions. Apple Apple Apple Which products are part of Apple’s Education offer? Qualifying purchases for Apple’s deal in 2024 included: iMac 24‑inch, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, iPad Pro 12.9‑inch, iPad Pro 11‑inch, iPad Air and iPad 10th generation. In summer 2023 qualifying purchases included: iMac 24‑inch, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, iPad Pro 12.9‑inch, iPad Pro 11‑inch, and iPad Air. Students can also take advantage of a reduced subscription to Apple Music with which they get access to Apple TV+ when they buy an Apple product. Read: How to get the student deal for Apple Music and free Apple TV+. How to get Apple’s Back To School deal As long as you are based in an area where Apple is running the deal at the time of your purchase, and are a student in higher education, or about to start higher education, you can qualify for Apple’s Higher Education deal and get a free pair of AirPods (or gift cards if that’s what the deal is). There are more details about who the deal applies to below. Note that if you qualify you are able to get discounts all year round by shopping in the Apple Education Store, so you don’t need to shop during the Back to Uni deal period to get a bargain. In the U.S. you need to visit Apple’s US Education Store, but logging on from your university network may make the process easier.  In the U.K. you can visit the UK Education Store, but you will also need to verify your student or staff status with UNiDAYS. Go to the Apple Education Store for other regions using the links below: Canada Australia New Zealand Brazil South Korea When you make your purchase you will be able to request the Apple Gift Card. Who can get Apple’s Back to School deal? If you are registered at a higher education facility (that’s post-K12 education, universities, and colleges) you will qualify for the free AirPods deal as well as Apple’s usual education discount. Employees of these institutions can also qualify. If you are a parent buying for your student offspring then you can also qualify. Here are Apple’s Ts&Cs for the U.S. Alternatively, if you are an employee of a public or private K-12 institution/school in the U.S. or Canada you are also eligible. Apple’s Education pricing isn’t available to parents with kids at school, but a homeschool teacher can qualify. Even when Apple isn’t running the Back to School Deal students and education institutions can still take advantage of its standard educational pricing on its Educational Pricing page (US here / UK here). Which iPads are included in Apple’s Back to School deal? The 10th gen iPad could be a good partner to have at university. The 10th gen iPad could be a good partner to have at university. Macwelt/Apple/Amazon The 10th gen iPad could be a good partner to have at university. Macwelt/Apple/Amazon Macwelt/Apple/Amazon Not every Apple product you can buy in the Education Store is included in the deal. In 2023 Apple included the following iPads in the deal in the U.S & U.K.: iPad Air (5th gen) iPad Pro 11-inch (4th gen) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th gen) It’s notable that Apple didn’t include the cheaper iPad 10th gen, or even the older 9th-gen iPad in the 2023 deal. The iPad mini was also omitted. It will be a surprise if Apple includes the new M4 iPad Pro or M2 iPad Air in the deal for 2024, because they are so new. You can still get discounted Educational Pricing on the iPad and iPad mini if you qualify, you just won’t be able to get the freebie. If you don’t qualify for the education pricing we have a separate guide on where to get the best deals on the iPad. For advice about which iPad to buy read: Which iPad is best for students. Which Macs are included in Apple’s Back to School deal? A MacBook Air is a good choice for students. A MacBook Air is a good choice for students. Foundry A MacBook Air is a good choice for students. Foundry Foundry Not every Apple product you can buy in the Education Store is included in the promotion. Apple doesn’t usually offer incentives to buy the newest Apple products, but this year it does appear to be including the new 15-inch MacBook Air in the deal. In 2023 the following Macs were included in the deal: MacBook Air MacBook Pro iMac Mac mini This was the first year in a while that the Mac mini has been included in the deal. You can already take advantage of education pricing for all of those Macs. If you don’t qualify for an education discount have a look at these round-ups of the best deals on a new Mac: Best MacBook Pro deals MacBook Air deals Mac mini deals Best iMac deals Best Mac Studio deals We also have this advice about which Mac is best for students. Apple Inc, Home Audio, iPad, Mac

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Apple rolls out watchOS 10.5 update with bug fixes and little else
It's time to update your Apple Watch again — Apple has officially released watchOS 10.5.watchOS 10 on Apple Watch UltraThe beta versions of watchOS 10.5 did not introduce any new features. This suggests that Apple is prioritizing the improvement of the system's stability and performance. Such an update is crucial to ensure the devices operate smoothly and any new features added in previous versions work efficiently.Like watchOS 10.4, this update didn't bring any significant updates, However, watchOS 10.2 brought increased Siri integration and user interface improvements. It enabled Siri to access health data, which allows users to query various health statistics using voice commands. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iOS 17.5 is here with Repair State & EU Web Distribution
Apple's EU DMA compliance is the focus of iOS 17.5, which adds Web Distribution as a method of sideloading apps — available now.iOS 17.5 has been releasedThe initial compliance with the Digital Markets Act in the EU only allowed users to obtain apps from officially certified alternative app marketplaces. The EU stated that Apple's implementation wasn't compliant, and that it must allow sideloading from the web.The feature is now available with the release of iOS 17.5. Apple calls it Web Distribution, and like with alternative app marketplaces, it isn't a free-for-all. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple releases iOS 17.5 with new games in News+, cross-platform tracking detection, more
Apple has officially released iOS 17.5, bringing new games in News+ and cross-platform tracking detection to iPhone users. The update is available alongside iPadOS 17.5, macOS 14.5 Sonoma, and more. more…

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The AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C is $69 Off
The AirPods Pro is a shining example of premium earbuds done right. Today, the price of the 2nd Generation AirPods Pro with USB-C has dropped from $250 to just $179.99 on Amazon. There’s a lot to love in the AirPods Pro 2, including Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive Audio, and improved Active Noise Cancelling technology. Once […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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US iPhone sales remain steady despite weakening smartphone demand
A report from Counterpoint Research suggests that the demand for smartphones is weakening, but Apple’s market share remains steady. New research said that US smartphone shipments have fallen 8%, but Apple has a firm hold on the market share at 52%. While the figure does not mean the iPhone has a monopoly, the report says […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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New Jersey Apple Retail Store vote down unionization
Apple employees at a Short Hills, New Jersey retail store have voted against joining a union. The vote was 57-41 against joining the CWA… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple Vision Pro instrumental in precision surgeries
The medical community recently praised the Apple Vision Pro for providing precision and detail in surgeries. Surgeons have been quick in Vision Pro adoption since it launched, using the device for patient operations. The latest application was in India where the Vision Pro was used on more than 30 procedures in the GEM Hospital. Specifically, […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Vision Pro selling at a discount on eBay ahead of global launch
We’re three months into Apple Vision Pro launching in the US and expectations are building for international availability to arrive after WWDC 2024 in June. But what do after-market sales look like now? As it happens, you can pick up a new Vision Pro on eBay at a $500 or more discount – although there are some caveats. more…

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Playstation emulator ‘Gamma’ launches on iPhone
A new retro game emulator by the name ‘Gamma’ has appeared on the iOS App Store. Gamma is the latest emulator to arrive on the iPhone and iPad platform. The free emulator loads up and plays PlayStation games on May 11 and is similar to the Delta emulator by Riley Testut, especially the interface. Features […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Super-slim M4 iPad Pro won’t be super-bendy, Apple says
New design with "central rib" aims to curb concerns about durability M4 iPad Pro, "the thinnest Apple product ever." (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple Vision Pro expected to arrive in more markets after WWDC
With WWDC 2024 less than a month away, rumors have shifted to the Apple Vision Pro expanding overseas afterwards.Apple Vision Pro will be arriving in more Apple Stores worldwideIt's not going to be before WWDC now, so it has to be afterwards. Tim Cook has already publicly said that the Apple Vision Pro will launch in China during 2024.Plus shortly after the US-only headset launch, Apple began recruiting for what it calls Briefing Experience Specialists in Australia and Japan. The role includes demonstrating the Apple Vision Pro to customers. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Best Mac webcams
Macworld During the coronavirus lockdowns millions of people around the world were reliant on video apps such as Zoom or Apple’s own FaceTime to chat with family and friends online. Lockdowns may be a thing of the past, but video calling still remains popular and is here to stay. And, of course, many of us are still working from home the majority of the time, continuing to use business-oriented apps such as Skype or Microsoft Teams to set up video calls with colleagues and clients. Apart from the Mac mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro, all Macs have one of Apple’s FaceTime cameras already built in, so you don’t necessarily need to buy a new webcam for video calls. However, the webcams on older Macs offer embarrassingly low resolution. As an alternative to a webcam you can use your iPhone as a Mac webcam (Apple improved this functionality in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura) so we’ve included some products here that help make your iPhone into your main Mac webcam. Business users in particular will want to pick something better in order to project a more professional image to colleagues and clients, while many artists and musicians vlog and promote their work on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Almost all Mac owners could benefit from upgrading to something that can provide a sharper image than their machine’s default camera. With that in mind, here’s our guide to some of the best webcams for use with your Mac, complete with links to buy. For broader advice, jump down to our thoughts on what to look for in a Mac webcam. 1. Logitech MX Brio – Best For Working From Home Pros 4K webcam with HDR Excellent image quality Sturdy, aluminum frame Good Mac app Cons Expensive Digital zoom only Price When Reviewed: $199.99 Best Prices Today: $199.99 at Adorama$199.99 at Amazon$199.99 at Best Buy The MX Brio isn’t the first Logitech webcam to provide 4K resolution, but it’s the first to carry the MX name that Logitech tends to reserve for its top-of-the-range Master series (such as the new MX Keys S keyboard). It’s more expensive than previous models, at $199.99/£219.99, but Logitech claims that it has a more sensitive camera – based on an 8.5MP Sony Starvis sensor for photography buffs – that provides an even sharper image. It also includes the inevitable AI features, including auto-light-correction designed to improve detail in low-light conditions and to focus the image directly on your face for improved visibility. We certainly couldn’t disagree with that, as the MX Brio produced a very sharp, detailed image that was particularly noticeable for its well-balanced and natural-looking light levels. The MX Brio can display 4K video at 30 frames per second, and that image quality will work well for video calls with clients or colleagues. You also have the ability to switch to 1080p resolution at 60fps to provide smooth motion for broadcasting, although this will depend on the camera controls that are provided by individual broadcasting or conferencing apps. The design of the camera is impressive too, with a sturdy aluminum body – available in pale or dark grey – and an adjustable stand that lets you attach it to your computer screen or sit it flat on a desk. You can also attach it to a standard ¼-inch tripod, and there’s a manual privacy shutter, along with two noise-reducing microphones. As always, Logitech provides better Mac support than most webcam manufacturers. You can plug the MX Brio into your Mac using its USB-C cable, and it will work automatically, like any other USB webcam. However, I already had Logitech’s Options+ app installed on my MacBook for testing the MX Keys S keyboard, and the app automatically recognized the MX Brio as soon as I plugged it in, and asked if I would like to download a software update. The Options+ app also includes additional controls, such as manual focus and exposure settings, and the ability to adjust brightness and contrast, color balance and saturation. You can save your own image presets as well, perhaps using different presets for business calls, presentations, or just chatting with friends. 2. Kensington W1050 – Excellent and affordable Pros Very affordable 1080p resolution Good Mac app Cons USB-A interface Mac app requires macOS 10.15.4 or later (but app not required to work with Macs Price When Reviewed: $49.99 Best Prices Today: $49.99 at Kensington$52.12 at Amazon Kensington makes a variety of webcams and other accessories for video-conferencing, but its new W1050 is very competitively priced, and arrives just as Kensington releases a new Mac version of its Konnect app as well. With a price of just $49.99/£34.99, the W1050 is one of the most affordable 1080p (1920×1080) webcams we’ve seen so far. It doesn’t cut many corners, though, providing a bright sharp image that is clearer and more detailed than the 720p FaceTime camera on my aging office iMac. It provides 95-degree viewing angle, with fixed-focus to ensure that the entire image remains in focus at all times (which is handy if you need to move around during a presentation). The adjustable stand can rest on your desk or attach to your computer screen, and allows you to tilt and rotate the camera to get the right viewing angle. It includes twin microphones with noise-cancelling features to reduce background noise, and there’s a privacy shutter on the front of the camera too. The only thing to watch out for is that the W1050 uses an older USB-A interface—which is fine for my old iMac, but you’ll need an adaptor for newer Macs that only have USB-C. Like any USB webcam, the W1050 works automatically with Macs when connected via USB, but you will need Catalina (10.15.4) or later if you also want to use Kensington’s Konnect app. This provides additional controls for adjusting brightness, contrast and other settings, but its most useful feature is the ability to create and save profiles with settings that are suitable for different locations or lighting conditions. And, if you’re really serious about setting up a studio for video calls, conferencing or podcasting, then Kensington also has a range of accessories for use with its webcams, such as ring lights, and extendable mounts and stands. 3. Logitech Brio 300 – Easy to use Mac webcam Pros Affordable 1080p webcam Good Mac app Noise-cancelling mic Cons No support for HDR Limited viewing angle Price When Reviewed: $59 Best Prices Today: $39.99 at Amazon$49.99 at B&H$59.99 at Best Buy It’s getting hard to keep up with Logitech’s range of webcams, which includes low-cost models for home users, as well as more advanced cameras for streaming and podcasting, and even professional-level video-conferencing systems for corporate boardrooms. The Brio 300 is one of its more affordable options, though, designed for home users and remote working, and offering a low-cost 1080p upgrade for Macs with an aging 720p FaceTime camera (although U.S. customers get the best deal on pricing). But, like most recent webcams, it now uses a USB-C interface, so you’ll need a spare USB-C port on your Mac in order to use it properly. Available in a variety of colors, and using almost 50% recycled plastic, the Brio provides 70-degree viewing angle, which is fine for simple head-and-shoulders shots when you’re making a video call. Along with 1,920×1,080 resolution, the Brio includes automatic light correction that is designed to cope with changing lighting conditions throughout the day, and a noise-reducing microphone that damps down background noise in case the kids are getting a bit rowdy while you’re talking to the boss. The image quality is certainly brighter and less grainy than the 720p webcam on my MacBook Pro – although, oddly, it seems to work better in low-light conditions with the auto-exposure option turned off. The adjustable stand can sit flat on your desk, or be attached to the top of a monitor, and the 5ft USB cable gives you plenty of room to move it around and get the right viewing angle. There’s also a privacy shutter on the camera for when you want to go offline. Most USB webcams work with Macs automatically, but may only provide limited control over the camera settings. However, Logitech is one of the few manufacturers that makes a Mac version of its Tune app, which allows Mac users to manually adjust settings such as contrast. 4. Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe – Best iPhone webcam mount Pros Superior quality to MacBook's own webcam Cons We just wish Macs had better cameras Price When Reviewed: $29.95 Best Prices Today: $27.99 at Amazon$27.99 at B&H29.95 at Apple Belkin makes two iPhone mounts that are specially designed to work with Continuity Camera—a feature in macOS Ventura that lets Mac customers use their iPhone as a webcam. It enables innovative Continuity Camera features such as Desk View that come with macOS Ventura. The big benefit of using your iPhone as a Mac webcam is the quality of camera. While a MacBook boasts at best a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, the latest iPhones can record video at 4K. We found using an iPhone was noticeably superior, particularly in low light environments. Belkin’s MagSafe iPhone Mount is available in two options: one for Mac laptops (in either white or black colors); and one for and Mac desktops and displays. MagSafe iPhones (12/13/14) attach magnetically to the mount in either portrait or landscape orientation. The connection was strong, but we felt safe using the phone without va case, for the most secure magnetic clamp. The iPhone Mount with MagSafe for Mac laptops also features a ring grip for for handheld or kickstand usage. 5. Razer Kiyo – Best Features on a 1080p Webcam Pros Light ring Long USB cable Good value Cons Razer's Synapse app isn't Mac-compatible Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: $45 at Amazon$99.99 at Razer Razer is best known for its range of gaming gear, and the Kiyo webcam is primarily aimed at gamers who need a high-quality camera for Twitch streaming and e-sports. It’s a shame that Razer’s Synapse app isn’t Mac-compatible—meaning you’ll be missing out on some current features and won’t be able to update it when new firmware arrives—but the Kiyo itself still works well as a standard USB webcam without needing any additional software and has a number of other useful features that will come in handy for video chats with friends and even for business calls. The Kiyo provides a nice sharp 1080p lens (1920×1080), with 81.6 degrees viewing angle, and can record video at 30fps, or capture still images at 2,688×1,520. The adjustable stand can clip to the top of a computer screen or fold flat to sit on your desk. You can tilt the camera lens to get just the right viewing angle, and the Kiyo’s USB cable is 1.5m long so that you can adjust the position freely. There’s also a tripod mount on the base of the stand as well—although you have to use your own tripod. Like many webcams, the Kiyo has an autofocus function so it can keep your picture nice and clear when you’re moving around, but the main feature that sets it apart is its built-in ‘lighting ring’. The circular outer rim that surrounds the camera lens lights up as soon as you select the Kiyo as a video source in your video apps, and you can turn the ring like a dial to adjust the brightness level up or down. That can help solve the gloomy image quality that many of us struggle with when making video calls from a bedroom or makeshift office at home. Razer also makes a good range of high-quality microphones that work well with the Kiyo too. Usually sold for $99.99/£99.99 the Kiyo is currently half price at Razer at $49.99/£49.99. 6. Razer Kyio Pro Ultra – Best For Pro Content Creators Pros 4K resolution custom sensor for low-light conditions works with USB-C/USB-A Cons Very expensive No Mac app Price When Reviewed: $299.99 Best Prices Today: $299.99 at RazerNot Available at Amazon Razer’s Kyio webcams have been very successful, and there have been several new models released since we reviewed the first Kyo a few years ago. The original Kyio (above) is still available and has recently had a price cut, so that’s a good option if you just want an affordable 1080p upgrade. However, the latest model is the Kiyo Pro Ultra, which steps up to 4K resolution and includes a number of advanced features that are very much aimed at podcasting, streamers and other professional or semi-pro content creators. It’s usually $299.99/£299.99, but as well as providing 4K resolution, Razer claims that the Kiyo Pro Ultra uses the “largest sensor ever in a webcam”, which helps it to perform particularly well in low-light conditions. The webcam also includes auto-focus and auto-exposure features to quickly adjust the image quality, and it certainly worked well on a gloomy summer morning in London, producing a bright and sharply detailed image when used with my MacBook Pro. The webcam has a USB-C interface, but Razer also includes a USB-A cable for older PCs and Macs as well. Like all USB webcams, the Kiyo Pro Ultra works automatically when connected to a Mac, but Razer’s Synapse app is only available for Windows PCs, which means that Mac users won’t be able to use the additional controls and settings that are available in that app. You can still use it with third-party video apps, though, such as the popular open-source OBS (open broadcaster software), which is now available for Macs with both Intel and Apple Silicon processors (obsproject.com). Home users who just want a good webcam for simple video calls may be better off with a less expensive webcam that provides a native app for use with Macs. However, the Razor Kiyo Pro Ultra will still be a good choice for content creators who are already familiar with streaming apps such as OBS, and who are prepared to pay a bit extra for a really high-quality webcam. 7. AverMedia Live Streamer Cam 513 – 4K webcam Pros 1080p at 60fps 94-degree field of view Cons Faint ticking noise coming from the webcam Price When Reviewed: $249.99 Best Prices Today: $149.99 at Amazon The AverMedia Cam 513 stands out because it offers Sony’s 8MP Exmore R CMOS image sensor for 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps video capture. There’s also an impressive 94-degree field of view, which provides the user with a large canvas for cropping and zooming without noticeable loss in detail. That’s where the AverMedia CamEngine comes in. CamEngine is a vital utility and is essentially required to get the most out of the Cam 513—which doesn’t have drivers, you need to use their software. The software allows you to tweak the image using advanced features such as Snapchat-style filters and AI-powered camera cropping. Regarding those AI-related capabilities, it can crop in and track your face as you move around – good news if you move around a lot while on video calls. It’s not always flawless in performance, however – we found it sometimes cropped into something that vaguely looked like a face, but you’ve also got the option of manually setting up each crop for different shots and angles. Shots can be programmed to hotkeys, allowing for extreme zooms and dramatic ultra-wide shots on the fly during streams and video calls. You’ll also find a privacy-focused shutter built in which will cover the webcam sensor when not in use. The adjustable stand will attach to most displays. The camera plugs into your Mac via USB-C—the cable isn’t built-in but we don’t think that is a disadvantage (it means you can replace it with a shorter or longer USB-C cable depending on how you want to set it up.) It’s a great 4K webcam—the only real annoyance is that we could hear a faint ticking noise coming from the webcam during use. What to look for in a Mac webcam We’ve picked out eight webcams worthy of recommendation above, but here’s some more general advice on what to look for. Resolution The FaceTime cameras included on all MacBook laptops and most iMac models are limited to just ‘720p’—which generally means a resolution of 1280×720 (although the FaceTime camera on my office iMac only seems to record at 1080×720). That’s pretty basic in these days of HD and 4K video, so in recent months many people have decided to upgrade to a higher-quality webcam that supports HD resolution of 1920×1080, or even one of the latest 4K webcams. Useful features As well as providing a sharper, high-resolution video image, other useful features to look out for when buying a new webcam include autofocus, which can keep the image clear and sharp even if you need to move around a little, and brightness adjustment for when gloomier days. A wide-angle lens can be useful too, allowing you to fit more than one person into the image, or allowing business users to step back from the camera while giving a presentation or using a whiteboard. Framerates You should also check to make sure that the webcam can record smooth video with a framerate of 25 or 30 frames per second (fps). Some webcams can even record at 60fps, although that’s mainly for specialist tasks such as gaming and e-sports on Twitch. Connection standards There’s certainly plenty of choice these days, and most modern webcams will work with your Mac automatically as they just use a standard USB connection—generally USB 3.0, although USB-C is now starting to appear on some new webcams too. Once it’s plugged in, a USB webcam should then be able to work with any suitable video software on your Mac, such as FaceTime, Zoom or Skype (although it’s a shame that Apple never got around to releasing a Windows version of FaceTime, as that puts it at a real disadvantage against its video-chat rivals). The webcam’s microphone will also appear as an audio input in the Sounds control panel in System Preferences on your Mac. Apps Some manufacturers also provide their own apps with their webcams, which can help with features such as brightness and autofocus, so it’s worth checking to see if the webcam provides its own Mac app as well. Webcams

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