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iPadOS 17 Adds Support for Studio Display Webcam and Other External USB Cameras

Starting with iPadOS 17, the built-in camera on the Studio Display and other external displays can be used with iPads for FaceTime calls and other video purposes. This functionality is available on any iPad model equipped with a USB-C port.

iPadOS 17 External Camera
As it turns out, this feature actually goes beyond external displays. In its Platforms State of the Union video for developers, Apple revealed that any USB-C webcam can now be used with iPads on a plug-and-play basis, as demonstrated in the video below from Stephen Robles. USB-A webcams are also supported with an adapter.


iPadOS 17 is available in beta for anyone with an Apple developer account, and the update will be publicly released later this year.

Related Forums: iOS 17, iPadOS 17

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Top Rated Comments

ShivneelSingh Avatar
43 months ago
I’m waiting for an update where we can plug the iPad Pro into the Studio Display while allowing to keep the iPad screen in sleep mode. Similar to keeping the lid closed on the MacBook while connected to the Studio Display.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
43 months ago
That's great, but what about audio output switching?

Now it defaults to the HDMI output and can't be switched to anything other than bluetooth.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Johnny907 Avatar
43 months ago
Since no one else has mentioned it yet, right now this only works on Facetime but that's likely due to apps like Zoom, Teams etc not having access to the API that lets them switch video sources and will be addressed down the road when those apps are updated.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
43 months ago
I’d like to be able to use Continuity Camera on my iPad
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
43 months ago

That's great, but what about audio output switching?

Now it defaults to the HDMI output and can't be switched to anything other than bluetooth.
I second this request. Whenever I connect my 2018 11" Pro to my docking station, it always defaults to selecting one specific audio output coming out of the dock (where my wired headphones are connected), but I'd like to choose a different audio output (where my desktop speakers are connected), and there is no current way to change it. I may install the iPadOS 17 DP just to see if they've added this.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DMinTX Avatar
43 months ago
With FaceTime coming to tvOS, this seems like a great feature to add the Apple TV as well.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)