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iPhone as a webcam for Mac - Looking for Beta testers

A

antomeie

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 30, 2020
45
9
Sweden
As a side project I have built an app that lets you use your iPhone as a webcam for your Mac. I know that there are similar apps out there, but my plan is to release it for free, so I think it could be useful for people.

Features:

- Resolutions 1920x1080, 1280x720, and 640x480
- Frame Rates up to 30 fps, or as low as 10 fps.
- Use any camera lens.
- Streams via USB cable.

If anyone would like to help me out with beta testing then I would appreciate it! I’ll send a TestFlight invite for iOS along with a download link to the Mac app.

As you may know, Apple's own macOS apps block third party camera plugins, which means that you will not be able to use it with apps such as FaceTime, PhotoBooth, or Safari. However, third party apps such as Google Chrome, Brave Browser, Zoom, etc… work fine.

I will need your email in order to send the invite, you can apply via this **LINK REMOVED - SEE UPDATE BELOW**

Screenshots:

MacUI.c.png

MenuBar.c.png



** UPDATE 8 Feb 2021 **

I want to thank everyone who has helped out with testing! I have read all your feedback and reports, event though I have not been able to answer to all of it.

Today I released an official version 1.0.0 on the App Store. You can find out more on my webpage https://webcamplus.app

For those of you who prefer to use stable releases, I recommend that you install the App Store versions from now on. I have temporarily removed the beta signup link, however, I will open it back up again in the near future as I continue development of new features.

** UPDATE 8 Feb 2022 **

Version 1.2.0 is now available on the App Store. This update includes support for 4K resolution (2160p), as well as controls for Focus, Exposure, and LED/Torch.
 
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Tried your app and I have to say that is perfect!!!
Very essential at this pandemic time.
Well done !!!

The only thing that is missing is the ability to connect iphone with wifi and not only with cable.


Forgot to say that I tested on ZOOM , and it works like a charm. Great work!!!
 
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Thank you! It means a lot to hear you say that.

Regarding WiFi, I have actually already implemented that, but I decided to opt-out of that feature for the beta as I was not 100% happy with it. For example I would like to make sure that the app better handles scenarios where the iOS device may switch to a different IP address when jumping between networks. I also want to add Bonjour, SSDP, or some other network discovery mechanism to allow app pairing over WiFi as well as USB.

Anyhow, let me know if you have any further questions, or if you discover any issues.
 
This is very kind of you @antomeie . The lack of a webcam on my Mac mini setup is sometimes a drawback. This may prove to be very useful.
 
Just replied. Look forwarded proving some feedback in the new year. I’m an EpocCam pro user so hopefully I’llhave some comps for you.
 
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For those who are testing already, I just released v 0.1.1 today with some reliability improvements and UI fixes. When updating, please install both the iOS app and the Mac app.

Thank you for your help so far!
 
tosbsas said:
looks cool so far, I would need it to be recognized by Edge to be able to use my iPhone for Streamyard
Click to expand...
I just tried Microsoft Edge (Latest Version 87.0.664.66) and it works for me (with google meet). I am running macOS 11.0.1.

Do you mean that Edge is not working for you, or just that you have not tried yet?

I have unfortunately not tried Streamyard myself.
 
Looking forward to this. I just got a Mac mini M1 and an LG 21:9 34" monitor and bought a cheap webcam off Amazon. The audio and video don't sync - and it's not consistent. Sometimes they are off by more than 1 second. So, if I could re-dedicate an older iPhone to be a webcam that'd be great. Of course, if your app works only with iOS 12 or later, that would be fine, too. And I have a current XR to test it with. Hope to hear from you.
 
uburoibob said:
Looking forward to this. I just got a Mac mini M1 and an LG 21:9 34" monitor and bought a cheap webcam off Amazon. The audio and video don't sync - and it's not consistent. Sometimes they are off by more than 1 second. So, if I could re-dedicate an older iPhone to be a webcam that'd be great. Of course, if your app works only with iOS 12 or later, that would be fine, too. And I have a current XR to test it with. Hope to hear from you.
Click to expand...

I was hoping that someone with an M1 Mac would apply :) I have compiled the app with Apple Silicon support, but I have not been able to test it myself yet. Hope it works for you! Invite sent.

The minimum requirement for the beta is iOS 13, but it is possible that I add support for iOS 12 in the future. I would need to do some testing on that myself first.
 
Installed on iPhone 11 Pro. Looking to test with Zoom on MacBook Pro M1, not sure where the Mac App is locateed?

Thanks!
B. Ellis
 
B.Ellis said:
Installed on iPhone 11 Pro. Looking to test with Zoom on MacBook Pro M1, not sure where the Mac App is locateed?

Thanks!
B. Ellis
Click to expand...
The link can be found in the TestFlight app if you select Webcam Plus -> What To Test -> More.

That said, I will send you a direct link in a pm.
 
Got it! (Had to actually read the instructions...duh)

Works great for zoom, full control no lag via cable to M1
 
hwojtek said:
OK, Catalina on 5.1 (opencore) Mac Pro and iPhone 6s. Looks quite good, no lags even connected via a hub.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info! Although, it is funny, because I am myself running a 5,1 with Catalina (dosdude1 patcher). I've been considering opencore for Big Sur lately.
 
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