Apple has always leveraged the capabilities of what an iPad can do, and the upcoming release of iPadOS 17 is no exception. As referenced in Apple’s Platforms State of the Union video for developers, one of the newest features coming to this major software version is the support to use both the built-in webcam and microphone on the Studio Display and other third-party external monitors for FaceTime calls and video/audio recording. This functionality will work with any iPad model equipped with a USB-C port, including the 10th-generation iPad. This functionality also expands to older USB-A webcams and microphones as long as you have the right adapter that connects to the USB-C port on your iPad.
So, iPadOS 17 now supports external USB webcams #WWDC23 pic.twitter.com/2MRUqU1TKq
— Stephen Robles (@stephenrobles) June 6, 2023
The Mac has supported external webcams and microphones for years, and bringing this capability to the iPad this year is such a welcome addition as the iPad becomes more versatile than ever before. Additionally, because you’ll most likely use the iPad in landscape mode when doing FaceTime calls, having an external webcam will be a better experience since that camera will be on top of the iPad instead of on the side just like the built-in camera on any iPad except for the 10th generation iPad (which has a landscape camera as a first). Therefore, the subject will appear more natural this way for the other participants in the call. Since Apple launched Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad last month, you can take full advantage of this plug-and-play feature to record your audio/video and make your final touches to whatever project you’re working on.
The initial beta of iPadOS 17 is now available to both developers and the public now that you’ll now just need an Apple ID to enroll in the free Developer Program to download the beta releases. The final release will come out around October.
