Month: April 2025

If you want to upgrade your video call setup without buying an external webcam, your iPhone can help. With macOS Ventura or later, Apple’s Continuity Camera feature allows users to turn their iPhone into a high-quality, wireless webcam for Mac. Whether you’re joining a meeting on Zoom, recording a presentation or creating content for YouTube, using your iPhone as a webcam can provide a sharper image, better low-light performance and useful extras like Center Stage and Desk View. Here’s how to set up and use your iPhone as a webcam with your Mac, along with additional tips for microphone-only use, Desk View, Studio Light and more. It works natively in macOS, so it’s easy to set up. All you need to do is mount your phone and start your call.

What you’ll need to use Continuity Camera
You’ll need the following things to use this feature properly:

An iPhone XR or newer running iOS 16 or later

A Mac running macOS Ventura or later

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled on both devices

Both devices signed into the same Apple ID with two-factor authentication enabled

A way to mount your iPhone (Apple sells a MagSafe-compatible Belkin mount, but any secure mount or tripod will work)

Continuity Camera works wirelessly by default, though you can connect your iPhone to your Mac via USB if you prefer a more stable connection.

How to enable Continuity Camera
Continuity Camera is automatically enabled on supported iPhones and Macs. However, it’s worth confirming that the feature is active in your iPhone’s settings:

Open Settings on your iPhone

Tap General

Select AirPlay & Handoff

Make sure Continuity Camera is toggled on

On your Mac, no additional setup is required, but you’ll want to ensure both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled and that both devices are nearby and awake.

How to use your iPhone as a webcam in macOS apps
Once Continuity Camera is active, your Mac should automatically detect your iPhone as a webcam source in any compatible app. That includes FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, QuickTime, Safari and most other video and streaming applications.

To use your iPhone as the camera in a specific app:

Open the app you want to use (e.g., Zoom or FaceTime)

Go to the app’s video settings or preferences menu

Select your iPhone from the list of available camera sources (it may appear as "iPhone Camera")

Your iPhone will automatically activate its rear camera and stream a live video feed to your Mac. Continuity Camera uses the iPhone’s higher-quality rear camera, but you can leverage the front camera using third-party apps such as EpocCam, iVCam or DroidCam.

If nothing happens, make sure:

Both devices are unlocked and on the same Wi-Fi network

Continuity Camera is enabled on your iPhone

You’re signed into the same Apple ID on both devices

How to use microphone-only mode
In addition to camera input, Continuity Camera lets you use your iPhone as a high-quality microphone source. This is handy if you prefer to use your Mac’s built-in camera or another webcam but still want the clarity of the iPhone’s microphone.

To use your iPhone as a mic:

Open System Settings on your Mac

Go to Sound > Input

Select your iPhone from the list of available input devices

You can also choose the iPhone microphone directly from within most video apps under their audio settings or microphone input menus.

How to use Desk View
Desk View is a unique feature of Continuity Camera that uses the iPhone’s ultrawide lens to simulate a top-down camera angle. It creates a second video feed showing your desk or workspace, which is useful for demos, unboxings, or sketching on paper.

It’s worth mentioning that Desk View is only available on Macs with the 12MP Center Stage camera, and with iPhone 11 or later (excluding iPhone 16e and iPhone SE, as these models do not meet the hardware requirements for this feature).

To use Desk View:

Position your iPhone horizontally in a mount at the top of your display

Open the Desk View app on your Mac (found in Applications or Launchpad)

The app will generate a simulated overhead view of your desk

You can share this view in apps like Zoom by selecting Desk View as the video source

Some third-party apps (such as FaceTime and Camo) also support displaying both your face and the Desk View simultaneously using picture-in-picture.

How to adjust Continuity Camera effects
MacOS allows you to enable various video effects in the Control Center when using your iPhone as a webcam. These features enhance your appearance and help you stay centered on screen, though you need to be on a video call to use them.

To access these effects:

While using a video conferencing app (such as FaceTime) on your Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top-right of your Mac’s menu bar

Select Video Effects

Choose from the following options:

Center Stage: Uses the iPhone’s ultrawide lens to keep you centered as you move

Portrait: Adds a soft background blur similar to Portrait Mode in the Camera app

Studio Light: Brightens your face and dims the background to mimic professional lighting

Desk View: Activates the Desk View camera feed

You can toggle these effects on or off at any time during a call or recording session, or even when you’re outside of a video call.

Tips for mounting and positioning your iPhone
To get the best results, use a secure mount that keeps your iPhone stable and aligned with your face. Apple recommends positioning the iPhone horizontally with the rear camera facing you and the screen facing away.

If you’re using a MacBook, the Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe is designed to clip directly onto your Mac’s display. For desktop Macs, any tripod or adjustable mount that aligns the phone at eye level will work.

Avoid placing the iPhone too close to your face and ensure the camera lens is unobstructed. You will be able to see yourself during the call, so you can adjust to your preference. The rear camera is used for higher video quality (though like I mentioned you can use the front camera with compatible third-party apps). Make sure the iPhone is not in low-power mode, as it may affect performance.

Using Continuity Camera with third-party apps
Most popular video conferencing and streaming apps on macOS support Continuity Camera without any extra setup. However, some apps may require manual input selection.

Here’s how to change the camera on a few commonly used platforms:

Zoom: Go to Preferences > Video and select "iPhone Camera."

Google Meet (in Safari or Chrome): Click the gear icon before joining a call and select your iPhone under Camera

OBS Studio: Add a new video capture device source and select your iPhone as the input

QuickTime: Open QuickTime Player, choose New Movie Recording, click the arrow next to the record button, and select your iPhone

Continuity Camera works with most macOS-native and browser-based platforms as long as permissions for camera and microphone access are enabled.

How to switch between camera modes or devices
If you want to return to using your Mac’s built-in webcam or switch to another device, simply change the input source in your app’s settings. Continuity Camera only takes over as the default when an iPhone is detected and selected.

To switch back:

Open the video or audio settings in your app

Select a different camera or microphone input

Your Mac will revert to using the built-in hardware or another connected device

You can also disconnect your iPhone from the mount or place it out of range to stop Continuity Camera from activating. You’ll have to do this for every app you’ve used. If you want a systemwide change or if you’d rather not dismount or unplug your iPhone, you can switch off Continuity Camera by doing the following on your phone:

Go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity (or AirPlay & Handoff)

Turn off Continuity Camera.

Troubleshooting Continuity Camera issues
If your iPhone is not showing up as an available webcam, try the following:

Ensure both devices are running the latest versions of iOS and macOS

Confirm that both devices are signed into the same Apple ID

Restart both the Mac and iPhone

Toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on again on both devices

Make sure no other app is already using the iPhone camera

Try using a wired USB connection instead

For persistent issues, resetting your Mac’s privacy permissions for camera and microphone access may help. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and Microphone, and verify that the apps you’re using have access.

Battery use and privacy
Using your iPhone as a webcam over an extended period can guzzle its battery quickly, especially with effects like Studio Light or Center Stage enabled. To avoid interruptions during longer calls or recordings, consider connecting the iPhone to power while it’s in use.

Apple includes privacy protections when using Continuity Camera. A green LED will appear next to your iPhone’s camera lens to indicate it’s active, and the screen will show a message confirming that the camera is in use. No video or audio is transmitted unless you have explicitly selected the iPhone as a source in your Mac app.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-use-your-iphone-as-a-webcam-with-your-mac-164248242.html?src=rss

If you’ve been waiting to pick up Apple’s latest MacBook Air M4 then your patience has paid off. Right now, the 13-inch model is down to $939 from $999 — a six percent discount. It’s an all-time low price for the 13-inch MacBook Air M4, dropping to $10 less than it cost during Amazon’s Spring Sale. The deal is available for the laptop in Starlight, Midnight and Sky Blue, so just not Silver. 
Apple only released the MacBook Air M4 in Mid-March and it’s already our pick for 2025’s best MacBook overall. We gave it in a 92 in our review thanks to features like its 13.6-inch liquid retina display and slim build — it weighs 2.7 pounds and is 0.44 inches thick. But, it’s the M4 chip that really gives this MacBook Air a boost. The 13-inch model has a 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine. Plus, it lasted over 18 hours while playing HD video. 

If you’re looking for something a little bigger and with more RAM, then it might be worth getting the 15-inch MacBook Air M4. It’s currently down to $1,499 from $1,599 and offers 24GB of RAM, compared to the 13-inch’s 16GB. The only catch: This deal is just for the Starlight model (though the Midnight version is only $20 more at $1,519). 
Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-m4-macbook-air-is-cheaper-than-ever-right-now-144625495.html?src=rss

Scammers are promising to get your money back—if you pay them.

Apple’s new Passwords app (introduced with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia) is a big leap forward in making password management simple and user-friendly for Apple users, even if it’s not as robust as other password managers. If you’ve ever fumbled through Safari settings to find a saved login or toggled through iCloud Keychain menus to edit credentials, the Passwords app is for you. It’s designed to give you a dedicated home for all your saved login credentials, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords and two-factor authentication codes, all in one secure, easy-to-navigate interface.

What is the Apple Passwords app?
The Passwords app is Apple’s standalone password manager. While Apple users have long been able to save passwords using iCloud Keychain, the actual management experience was buried within Settings or Safari. With the Passwords app, Apple has turned what was once a tucked-away feature into a full-fledged application that works across iPhone, iPad and Mac.

The app holds all your saved login credentials, plus passkeys, verification codes and Wi-Fi passwords. Everything is securely stored, synced via iCloud and protected by Face ID, Touch ID or your device passcode. With it, you can more easily search for logins, get security recommendations, share credentials with family members and store two-factor authentication codes all in one place.

Rob Webb for Engadget
How to access the Passwords app on iPhone
To access the Passwords app on your iPhone:

Make sure your device is updated to iOS 18 or later.

Find the Passwords app using Spotlight Search, the App Library or your Home Screen.

Tap the app icon and authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID or your device passcode.

Once you’ve opened the app, you’ll see your saved accounts organized alphabetically. A search bar at the top makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. Logins are grouped by category, including:

Passkeys (passwordless login credentials)

Codes (verification codes for methods like two-factor authentication)

Wi-Fi

Security (compromised or reused passwords)

Tapping any item shows detailed information, including login URLs, usernames, passwords and any associated notes.

How to add and edit passwords manually
Most passwords are saved automatically when you use Safari to log in to websites, but you can also add entries manually, including verification codes and passkeys. To manually add a login:

Open the Passwords app.

Tap the + icon in the bottom-right corner.

Choose New Password.

Enter the site or service name, username and password.

Add any optional notes using the Notes field.

Tap Save to finish.

To edit a saved password:

Open the relevant entry.

Tap Edit.

Update any details as needed.

Select Set up code (if required), where you will be prompted to enter a setup key or scan a QR code with the camera.

Tap Save to save your changes.

How to enable and use Autofill with the Passwords app
Autofill makes logging in fast and seamless. Instead of typing out usernames and passwords, your iPhone can automatically suggest saved credentials when you visit a login page.

To enable Autofill:

Go to Settings > Apps > Passwords.

View Autofill Settings.

Make sure Autofill Passwords and Passkeys are turned on.

Choose Passwords as your default autofill provider.

Once Autofill is enabled, Safari and many third-party apps will offer login suggestions from the Passwords app when you tap into a username or password field. If there are multiple logins for a site, you’ll be prompted to select the right one.

When creating a new login in Safari, you’ll also be asked to save the new password to the Passwords app. This ensures it’s available across all your Apple devices.

How to sync passwords to your devices with iCloud Keychain
The Passwords app uses iCloud Keychain to sync your saved credentials across your Apple devices. If you use multiple devices like an iPhone, iPad and Mac, enabling Keychain ensures your logins stay consistent everywhere. To enable iCloud Keychain:

Open Settings.

Tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen.

Tap iCloud > Passwords and Keychain.

Turn on Sync this iPhone (or iPad).

You may be prompted to authenticate or confirm your identity with a verification code. Once it’s set up, all your saved credentials will be securely synced via iCloud. This also allows the Passwords app to work in harmony with macOS and iPadOS, meaning you can view and edit your saved data from any of your Apple devices.

Rob Webb for Engadget
How to use passkeys and verification codes
The Passwords app supports two newer authentication features that improve both security and convenience: passkeys and verification codes.

Passkeys
Passkeys are a new way to sign in without using a traditional password. Instead, they use Face ID, Touch ID or a device passcode to confirm your identity. They are intended to be more phishing-resistant since they can’t be reused or copied across services.

If a website or app supports passkeys, Safari will prompt you to create one when signing in or registering. Once saved, the passkey is stored in the Passwords app.

To view and manage passkeys:

Open the Passwords app.

Tap Passkeys.

You’ll see a Passkey section if one has been saved.

Passkeys work across Apple devices and can even be used on non-Apple platforms by scanning a QR code when prompted.

Verification codes
Verification codes are used in two-factor authentication (2FA) systems. The Passwords app can now generate these codes automatically.

To set up a verification code:

Open the Passwords app.

Tap the login entry you want to edit.

Tap Edit > Set Up Code.

Scan a QR code provided by the website, or enter the code manually.

The app will generate a six-digit code that refreshes every 30 seconds. The code will also autofill when you log into a compatible website or app, saving you the hassle of switching to a separate authenticator app.

How to share passwords securely
You can share saved credentials with others using iMessage. This is helpful for families or teams who need access to shared accounts. The passwords are sent via end-to-end encrypted messages, ensuring privacy and security. To share a password:

Open the Passwords app.

Tap the entry you want to share.

Tap the Share button (a square with an arrow).

Choose a recipient in Messages.

How to check for weak or compromised passwords
Apple includes built-in security checks for your saved credentials.

To view security recommendations:

Open the Passwords app.

Tap Security.

You’ll see a list of passwords that are:

Reused across multiple accounts

Easily guessable

Involved in known data breaches

You can tap any entry to update the password directly. This feature helps improve your overall security hygiene with minimal effort.

How secure is the Passwords app?
Apple uses end-to-end encryption for everything in the Passwords app. That means your data is encrypted on your device and can only be decrypted by your device. Even Apple doesn’t have access to your credentials.

Accessing the app requires authentication via Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode. And if someone steals your device, your saved passwords remain locked behind biometric security.

Additionally, Apple participates in the FIDO Alliance, promoting secure, passwordless logins and helping drive adoption of technologies like passkeys.

Using the Passwords app on iPad and Mac
The Passwords app is also available on:

iPad tablets running iPadOS 18 or later

Mac laptops and desktops running macOS Sequoia or later

On iPad, the app works the same way as on iPhone, offering full management of your saved credentials. On Mac, you can find Passwords in System Settings or by using Spotlight Search.

Syncing is handled automatically through iCloud Keychain. If you’re logged into the same Apple ID on all your devices, your passwords will stay in sync.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/how-to-use-the-apple-passwords-app-120026715.html?src=rss