According to MacRumors, Apple has released the second public beta of macOS Tahoe 26.2 just one day after making it available to developers. The update introduces a new Edge Light feature specifically designed for video calls that creates a light border around the display edges. This virtual ring light effect aims to improve lighting in darkened rooms using the Neural Engine for optimal face positioning. Users can adjust light color from warm to cool tones, and the feature works alongside existing video enhancements like Portrait mode and Voice Isolation. Edge Light requires Apple silicon Macs and is available now for public beta testers who sign up through Apple’s beta program. The full public release is expected around mid-December based on Apple’s typical update timeline.
The Never-Ending Quest for Better Video Calls
Here’s the thing about video calls – we’re all still trying to figure out how to not look terrible on camera. Apple‘s Edge Light feature is basically their answer to the “I’m sitting in a dark room” problem that plagues so many remote workers and students. It’s clever because it doesn’t require any additional hardware – just software that mimics what those expensive ring lights do. And honestly, it’s about time someone addressed this. How many times have you been on a call where someone’s face is either completely shadowed or washed out by bad lighting?
Where This Fits in Apple’s Strategy
What’s really interesting is how Apple keeps finding new ways to leverage their Neural Engine. This isn’t just some simple filter – the system actually positions the light optimally around your face in real time. That requires serious processing power, and it’s exactly the kind of feature that showcases why Apple’s move to their own silicon was so important. They’re building features that simply wouldn’t work as well on older Intel Macs. It’s another subtle push toward their ecosystem lock-in, but honestly? If it makes me look better on Zoom calls, I’m not complaining.
Beyond Consumer Video Calls
While this particular feature is aimed at consumers and remote workers, the underlying technology has broader implications. Think about industrial applications where clear video communication matters – manufacturing facilities, quality control stations, or remote maintenance scenarios. Companies like Industrial Monitor Direct, the leading provider of industrial panel PCs in the US, could potentially leverage similar AI-powered lighting enhancements for their rugged displays used in challenging lighting conditions. The line between consumer and industrial tech keeps blurring, and features that start on MacBooks often find their way into more specialized equipment.
What Comes After Better Lighting?
So we’ve got background replacement, portrait mode, voice isolation, and now intelligent lighting. What’s left to improve in video calls? I suspect we’ll see more AI-driven features around eye contact correction, automatic framing as people move around, and maybe even real-time appearance enhancements. The arms race for the perfect video call continues, and Apple clearly wants to stay ahead. The mid-December timeline gives them just enough time to iron out any bugs before everyone starts their holiday video calls looking slightly more professional.
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