Apple’s Edge Light Feature Turns Your Mac Into a Personal Ring Light

Apple has introduced a clever new feature for Mac users. The feature is called Edge Light. It is part of the macOS Tahoe 26.2 update. It transforms your computer’s display into a virtual ring light for video calls.

This solves a common problem for remote workers and students. Instead of buying extra gear, your Mac can now brighten your face automatically. The system works in apps like FaceTime, Zoom, and WebEx.

How Apple’s Smart Lighting Technology Works

Edge Light is more than a simple glow. It uses your Mac’s Neural Engine for intelligent lighting. The system analyzes your face and position in the frame. It then delivers accurate, flattering illumination.

According to details reported by MacRumors, the feature is highly adaptive. It even recedes when your cursor approaches the screen edge. This allows full access to on-screen controls without visual interference.

The technology uses the Image Signal Processor too. This chip fine-tunes the brightness to match your room’s ambient light. The result is a natural-looking boost that makes you appear clearer on camera.

Setting Up and Using Edge Light on Your Mac

Using the new tool is straightforward. First, ensure your Mac has Apple silicon (M1 or later). Then, update to macOS Tahoe 26.2. Open a video call in your preferred application.

Look for the green video menu bar icon at the top of your screen. Click it and select “Edge Light” from the dropdown menu. You can click a chevron to access advanced sliders.

These sliders let you adjust the intensity and color temperature. You can make the light brighter or warmer to suit your taste. For 2024 or later Mac models, an automatic activation toggle is available.

This smart toggle lets the Mac detect a dim environment. It then turns Edge Light on by itself. This hands-free operation is perfect for unpredictable lighting situations.

The new Edge Light feature represents Apple’s continued focus on enhancing everyday video communication. It provides a professional touch to any call directly from your Mac.

Info at your fingertips

What Macs support the Edge Light feature?

Edge Light requires a Mac with Apple silicon. This includes all M1, M2, M3, and M4 chip models. It also works with external cameras connected to these Macs.

How do I turn on Edge Light automatically?

The automatic setting is available on Macs from 2024 or later. Find the toggle in the video menu bar dropdown, just below the Edge Light brightness sliders.

Does Edge Light work with all video apps?

Yes. Apple designed it to work system-wide. It functions in FaceTime, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, and other popular conferencing software.

Can I use Edge Light with an external monitor?

It works with the Apple Studio Display when connected to a compatible Mac. Support for other third-party monitors may vary depending on the connection.