Apple is introducing a new feature called Edge Light designed to improve video call quality in low-light conditions. This virtual ring light uses the edges of your Mac’s display to illuminate your face, providing a more flattering and professional look during calls. The move comes as more people rely on video conferencing for work and personal communication, making appearance a growing concern.
How Edge Light Works ⚙️
Edge Light utilizes Apple’s silicon to detect your face and adjust the screen’s edges to emit a soft, even light. Users can customize brightness and tone —choosing between warmer or cooler lighting—to suit their preferences. The system leverages the Apple Neural Engine for facial detection and the Image Signal Processor to manage brightness levels automatically.
Automatic Activation & Accessibility 🖱️
Available on Macs with Apple silicon, Edge Light will automatically activate in low-light settings on 2024 and later models. The feature is designed to be unobtrusive; when your mouse pointer approaches the edge of the screen, the light will temporarily recede, ensuring access to content without interruption. Edge Light is currently available in the MacOS 26.2 beta and will roll out publicly later this year.
Why This Matters 💡
This feature addresses a common issue for remote workers and frequent video callers: poor lighting. While physical ring lights are effective, they require additional equipment and setup. Apple’s Edge Light offers a built-in, software-driven solution, removing the need for external accessories. This is a trend toward seamless integration of convenience features into hardware ecosystems, reducing friction for everyday tasks.
Edge Light represents a small but significant step in making video communication more professional and accessible. By leveraging existing hardware, Apple avoids adding another device to the user’s toolkit.
