Apple is testing a new feature called Edge Light in an upcoming macOS beta that turns the computer’s display into a lighting tool for video calls. It’s part of an update reportedly named macOS Tahoe 26.2, and it essentially creates a bright border around the edges of the Mac’s screen. That glow is meant to illuminate the user’s face, acting almost like a virtual ring light, especially in low-light rooms where video quality tends to suffer a bit. The feature will work with common video call apps such as FaceTime, Zoom, and WebEx, which I think makes sense since those are the tools most people already rely on.
Key Takeaways
- The new feature is called Edge Light.
- It is currently being tested in a beta version of macOS, reportedly named macOS Tahoe 26.2.
- The feature projects light from the borders of the Mac’s display to light up your face.
- It uses the Mac’s Neural Engine to intelligently adjust the light’s brightness and position.
- It works on all Macs with Apple Silicon chips and is expected to be released in December.
How the New Edge Light Feature Works
The Edge Light system is more advanced than just increasing the display brightness. It uses the built-in Neural Engine, which is part of every Apple Silicon chip, to detect the user’s face, size, and position in the frame. From there, the Mac’s Image Signal Processor helps fine-tune the brightness of the display border to match the environment. I find that interesting because it suggests the lighting won’t feel overly harsh or artificial, or at least that’s the intention.
Because it’s adaptive, the light responds to different conditions. Reports say users will also be able to manually adjust the color temperature, shifting it warmer or cooler just like you would with a physical LED ring light. That tiny bit of customization often makes a big difference, especially for people who join calls throughout the day in different lighting setups.
The design aims to be subtle in practice. The illuminated border shows up along the left, right, and bottom edges of the display, sitting just below the top menu bar. And if the user moves the cursor toward the screen’s edge, the light automatically pulls back so nothing gets in the way. News reports also mention that the glow won’t appear in screenshots, which seems practical even if it’s something many people might not think about at first.
Difference from Studio Light
Edge Light shouldn’t be confused with the existing Studio Light feature. Studio Light, which is already part of macOS, is a software effect that uses AI to dim the background and algorithmically brighten the user’s face. It doesn’t actually output light.
Edge Light, on the other hand, is a real light source. It uses the display’s pixels to project brightness toward the user, which can enhance the raw video coming from the webcam before any processing happens. The two features can still complement each other, and perhaps some people will find value in running both for a more polished look.
Availability and Compatibility
Edge Light is currently available only in beta and is expected to reach the public in December. It works on all Mac models equipped with Apple Silicon chips.
All M-series Macs will support the feature, though reports suggest that models released in 2024 or later will have an additional automatic mode. That mode uses the camera to detect when the user is in a dark room and switches on Edge Light without needing any input. The capability also extends to external cameras and Apple’s Studio Display when paired with a compatible Mac, which might be helpful for people who work with more complex setups.
Overall, the idea feels like a small but thoughtful addition to macOS. It’s one of those features you might not expect but could easily start using all the time once it’s available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Edge Light feature on macOS?
A. Edge Light is a new feature in an upcoming macOS beta (reportedly Tahoe 26.2) that turns the edges of your Mac’s display into a light source to brighten your face during video calls.
Q. How does Edge Light work?
A. It uses the Mac’s Neural Engine to detect your face and the Image Signal Processor to adjust the screen’s light border for optimal brightness and color temperature, acting like a virtual ring light.
Q. Is Edge Light the same as Studio Light?
A. No. Studio Light is a software effect that dims your background and brightens your face in the video feed. Edge Light is a new feature that uses the screen itself as a physical light source.
Q. When will the Edge Light feature be available?
A. According to news reports, the feature is currently in a beta and is expected to be released to all users with a compatible Mac in December.
Q. Does Edge Light work on Intel-based Macs?
A. No, the feature requires an Apple Silicon chip (M1, M2, M3, and later) to function, as it relies on the Neural Engine for its intelligent adjustments.
