Apple has introduced a new “Edge Light” feature in the macOS 26.2 beta, turning the edges of Mac displays into a virtual ring light for video calls. The feature adds a bright border around the screen and uses the Mac’s Neural Engine to detect the user’s face and adjust lighting accordingly. The lighting tone and intensity can be customized between warm and cool, and the effect recedes if the mouse cursor approaches the edge, avoiding visual interference. Support is available for Apple Silicon Macs and compatible external webcams.
The update aims to enhance the webcam image quality in low-light environments without requiring an external ring-light accessory. Edge Light works across major video conferencing apps and integrates into the system’s existing video-call effects. macOS 26.2 is expected to launch publicly in December.
This move highlights Apple’s ongoing focus on improving the video-call experience amid rising remote-work demand. It also underscores incremental hardware/software synergy by leveraging internal camera systems and neural processing.