While not a major highlight, the built-in 12MP front-facing camera on Apple’s latest high-end monitor, the Studio Display, had left a lot to be desired. Specifically, both reviewers and users have previously reported that the camera unit has been performing below standard, resulting in muddy and noisy image quality – despite the fact that the monitor is equipped with significant hardware to support the feature, namely the A13 Bionic chipset.
When reached out regarding this, Apple revealed that the issue is apparently software-based, adding that a fix is in the works. And as promised, the patch – or rather, an early build of it – is now available via the latest MacOS Monterey 12.4 beta, which is available for download for those taking part in the Apple Beta Software Program. In a statement to The Verge, the company notes that the update contained “refinements to the Studio Display camera tuning, including improved noise reduction, contrast, and framing.”
Apple has indeed greatly improved the image quality of the Studio Display's camera. Before and after: pic.twitter.com/bIV46DCTcf
— Jaron Schneider (@jaronschneider) April 26, 2022
However, the fix itself is still far from perfect, based on feedback provided by various testers via social media. Indeed, they noted that the camera’s image quality has shown major improvements to the various aspects mentioned above, though its overall performance is still somewhat lacking – especially when compared to Apple’s other webcam-equipped devices such as its iMac lineups. Hopefully, the finalised version of this update would iron out this irritating issue once and for all.
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new Studio Display camera firmware (top right) seems to be less aggressive at cropping than old firmware (top left) and much less than iPad Center Stage (bottom) pic.twitter.com/lk3NaIduHE
— Jason Snell (@jsnell) April 26, 2022
If you wish to sign up for the Beta Software Program in order to test out the camera fix or other forthcoming features on various Apple products, you may do so by following this link. Meanwhile, those who have already signed up and installed the developer or public beta can update your Studio Display by going to System Preferences, and then click on Software Update. For your reference, the latest MacOS beta build containing the camera update is Version 15.5 (Build 19F5062g).
