No Ring Light? Mac Users Can Now Brighten Video Calls With Apple’s New Edge Light Feature

Also Read: iOS 26.2 Beta 2 Out Now: Here’s Everything New For iPhone Users

Apple has been quietly improving the video calling experience on Mac, and with macOS Tahoe 26.2. The latest report suggests that the tech giant is bringing a new feature called Edge Light. If you often take Zoom calls in low light or struggle with uneven lighting during meetings, this update might make things a lot easier. Also Read: Apple M5 Mac mini And Mac Studio Tipped To Launch By Mid-2026, Gurman Reports

For the basics, know that the Edge Light turns your Mac’s display into a virtual ring light by brightening the borders of the screen. Instead of buying a desk lamp or external ring light, your Mac now uses its own display to cast a soft glow on your face. Also Read: Apple’s iPhone Air 2 Could Skip 2026 Launch; Here's Why

The idea is simple – give you better lighting during video calls without affecting the background or washing out the image.

MacOS Edge Light: How It Works

Apple is using the Neural Engine inside Apple Silicon Macs to power this feature, MacRumors reported. Your Mac can detect your face, understand where you are in the frame, and adjust the lighting so it looks natural. The lighting also adapts to your environment. If your room is dim, Edge Light increases brightness. 

Not only that, whenever your cursor moves near the edge of the screen, the lighting fades out so you can still see the display clearly. Once you move the cursor away, the light returns. You can also adjust the warmth of the light using a slider – from cooler tones to warm, soft lighting.

Once enabled, Edge Light shows up alongside other video effects like Portrait Mode, Background Blur, and Studio Light. It supports popular apps such as:

• FaceTime
• Zoom 
• Microsoft Teams
• Google Meet
• WebEx

It also works whether you’re using the built-in webcam, an external webcam, or Apple’s Studio Display (as long as it’s connected to an Apple Silicon Mac).

When Will It Be Available?

Edge Light is currently being tested in the macOS Tahoe 26.2 beta. Apple is expected to roll it out publicly later this year. If you’re using a 2024 or later Mac model, Edge Light can automatically turn on when your surrounding lighting drops. This makes it even more seamless-no toggling or settings needed during a call.