Apple made genius business decision w/iPhone Webcam feature!

[Sheepish-Lord]

Intentional or not how many people do you think will use a dedicated iPhone for their webcam setup as a convenience factor?

Per Apple:
- webcam feature requires XR or above
- center stage requires iPhone 11 or above
- studio lighting requires iPhone 12 or above

Other features fall in between these models so if you have a 12 you’re good on everything. However, you know someone is going to make a magsafe mount so that puts you at a 13 series. I bet there will be an even bigger aftermarket/refurbished for folks that will make this their permanent camera.

Pretty dang smart if Apple thought about this and maybe one reason they didn’t lower iPhone trade in values when everything else they sell took a huge hit. They get you to trade in your phone for “max” value then resell it to you as a webcam and even clear out old iPhone stock since you can use XR-12 series.

 

[ian87w]

I've been using my phone (Android or iPhone) as a webcam with Iriun. So it's not really a new thing. The interesting part is how the latency will be with wireless.

I'm more curious on how Apple do the deskview.

 

[Mr.Blacky]

Who'll buy an iPhone, just to use it as a webcam for a MacBook? Do you REALLY think, Apple is counting on people to do that?

 

[FHoff]

I personally wouldn’t consider using an iPhone as a webcam.

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

Who'll buy an iPhone, just to use it as a webcam for a MacBook? Do you REALLY think, Apple is counting on people to do that?

Doesn’t just apply to MacBooks remember. And I absolutely think so! You can just mount it up top and leave it plugged into the back panel for power with optimized charging enabled. Once Apple gets rid of the charging port on the phone before the EU law deadline in 2024 (if it holds) they are going to have to reduced their old ported inventory somehow.

I know everyone says “that will never” happen but don’t underestimate convenience and remember this is the same company that can sell popsicles to indigenous people.

 

[Mr.Blacky]

Doesn’t just apply to MacBooks remember. And I absolutely think so! You can just mount it up top and leave it plugged into the back panel for power with optimized charging enabled. Once Apple gets rid of the charging port on the phone before the EU law deadline in 2024 (if it holds) they are going to have to reduced their old ported inventory somehow.

I know everyone says “that will never” happen but do underestimate convenience and thin is that same company that can sell popsicles to indigenous people.

Webcam functionality is a bonus feature. Nobody will say: "I certainly don't want or need a (new) iPhone, but since I can use it as a webcam, I will gladly buy one."

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

Webcam functionality is a bonus feature. Nobody will say: "I certainly don't want or need a (new) iPhone, but since I can use it as a webcam, I will gladly buy one."

What if I told you this was the precursor to having FaceID on your desktop/desktop replacement. Would would pay a small sum for a refurbished phone if it gave you that? I bet a ton of people would!

Then when Apple is ready they’ll integrate FaceID into the built in camera and sell you on that. You read it here first!

 

[Mr.Blacky]

What if I told you this was the precursor to having FaceID on your desktop/desktop replacement. Would would pay a small sum for a refurbished phone if it gave you that? I bet a ton of people would!

Then when Apple is ready they’ll integrate FaceID into the built in camera and sell you on that. You read it here first!

Any data, how many people bought an Apple Watch to unlock their Macs with it?

 

[SenorWhyMe]

Who'll buy an iPhone, just to use it as a webcam for a MacBook? Do you REALLY think, Apple is counting on people to do that?

you don't really need to buy one you could just use a possible older iPhone that can support iOS 16, honestly I have been using my Samsung s8 as a webcam for my computer and a "offline" gps for my motorcycle for years now

 

[reklex]

I mean it's just another thing to keep you locked to Apple's eccosystem.

add it to the list.