Certain enhancements in fresh software versions stand out not for their grandeur showcased in presentations, but for their understated enhancements that seamlessly integrate into daily workflows and elevate usability. A forthcoming macOS iteration introduces such a capability. The developer preview of Tahoe 26.2 incorporates functionality that effectively converts the display into a ring light for virtual meetings.
Known as Edge Light, this tool activates a luminous border along the screen's perimeter. Leveraging Apple's Neural Engine, it adjusts the illumination's placement according to the detected position of the user's face within the camera view. Users can tweak the color temperature to warmer or cooler tones, and the feature activates automatically in low-light surroundings. The illumination avoids overlapping the upper menu area and recedes when the mouse pointer approaches, allowing uninterrupted access to the device during sessions.
This option is restricted to MacBook models released post-2024 equipped with Apple Silicon processors. While it falls short of a dedicated ring light, it offers a practical alternative to improvising with multiple empty documents in a browser for impromptu lighting needs.