Apple is rolling out its latest developer beta for macOS 26.2. This update introduces a new feature called Edge Light, which serves to improve the user experience during video calls. Essentially, it allows the display to function as a ring light.
For the most part, the new feature is pretty straightforward. The Edge Light creates a border of light around the edge of the screen, providing additional illumination while conferencing. The position of this band of light is determined by Apple’s Neural Engine, which detects the user’s face and adjusts the border placement accordingly.
Aside from that, the user can control the brightness and colour temperature via sliders. Moreover, the user can set Edge Light to turn on automatically. With this setting enabled, the feature will turn on when the Mac detects that the user is in a dark environment. MacRumors notes that only MacBooks from 2024 and later will have this setting, however.
Of course, Apple recognises that the user may still need to use their screen during a video call. As such, the band of light does not cover the top menu bar. Furthermore, the light will recede when the user moves their cursor over it, so the user can still use the Mac normally.
Developers can already try out this feature, as long as they have a MacBook running on Apple’s silicon. As for when the Edge Light will be available for the public, it will likely be around December.
(Source: MacRumors)
