Everything Apple iPad tablets have a front-facing camera used for video calling, and on some models, Face ID to unlock the tablet and other apps. But if we’re being honest, the FaceTime camera on most iPad models isn’t great. Help is on the way, however. When Apple releases iPadOS 17 this fall, iPad owners will be able to connect a webcam to their tablet and use it for video calling (you’ll find a list of compatible iPads at the bottom of the post).
It only takes a few seconds to install everything, as long as you have a webcam and are running iPadOS 17, which is available now. Apple’s beta program. It is not recommended that you install the update early just to get this one feature; It is better to wait for Apple to remove any bugs and problems.
How to connect a webcam to your iPad
Connecting a webcam to your iPad is easy. If you know how to connect a keyboard or mouse to a computer, then you are an expert at this. All you have to do is connect the webcam to the iPad and it will automatically detect the camera, and set it as the default video on any phone. As far as I know, there is no way to switch between your web browser and the default browser.
How you connect the camera to the iPad will vary depending on the type of connector the camera has. Your iPad has a USB-C port, so you may need an adapter to connect the webcam to a USB-A connector.
For example, I connected a Logitech C920 webcam, which has a USB-A connector, iPad Pro. Because the iPad Pro has a USB-C port, I have to use a hub or dock as an adapter. I have tried it this Anker 7-in-1 hub and it works without any problem. I also tried with Belkin’s Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dockand without problem, and HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Hub it also works well. The point is, as long as you have an adapter that goes from a USB connector to USB-C, it should work. You need to connect your camera port or portthen plug in the iPad and open FaceTime.
I also tested Opal’s C1 webcam, connecting it directly to my iPad’s USB-C port. To my surprise, FaceTime immediately started using the C1 video, even though the Opal camera requires the Opal app to work. Mac. I don’t get all the great features that the C1 has on the Mac because Opal doesn’t have an iPad app, but it works and looks great.
Of course, Apple touts the feature as one designed for use with displays that have webcams, such as its Studio display. You can use Display Studio (or similar) by simply connecting it to the USB-C port on your iPad.
What about using DSLR and other cameras?
Using a DSLR or mirrorless camera just like your webcam can, but you’ll need a camera with a dedicated webcam feature, or an add-on in the form of a graphics card for it to work.
I tried to connect a GoPro Hero 11 Black and Fuji X-T4 to my iPad Pro, without the help of any software or video cards and both cameras were recognized not as web cameras, but as devices with images that I could transfer to my own. tablet.
However, when I connected the X-T4 to the graphics card, I could see video from the camera in the FaceTime app. The same method worked with a Sony ZV-1 cameraand GoPro Hero 11 Black.
It’s crazy to think of how many things you can connect the iPad to and it will recognize it, even if it takes some extra hardware or a little imagination.
Which programs will use external web hosting?
Currently, only FaceTime detects the additional camera and uses it by default. However, when developers are able to update their apps for iPadOS 17, I believe we will see apps like. MagnifiesWebex, and Google Meet add support.
That probably won’t happen until September or October, which is when Apple usually releases major iPad updates.
Which iPad models support external cameras?
According to the fine print on Apple’s iPadOS 17 preview page, the following iPad models will support connecting to the webcam:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (first generation and later)
- iPad (10th generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation and later)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
The iPad just adds things like a Mac
And last year’s addition many good things which has been very successful this year in iPadOS 17, and the new ability to connect additional devices and devices on the tablet, the iPad feels like it is becoming more powerful with the growth and evolution of each application.
Hopefully, next year we will continue to see Apple improve and add more innovations to its tablet design.