Apple has rolled out a subtle yet highly practical update for Mac users who frequently find themselves on video calls in poorly lit environments. The latest macOS Tahoe 26.2 software update introduces a new video effect called Edge Light, designed to solve a common modern work problem: looking dark and shadowy on camera during virtual meetings.
What is Edge Light and How Does It Work?
Edge Light cleverly uses your Mac's own display to act as a soft, adjustable light source for your face during video calls. Instead of requiring an external ring light on your desk, this feature integrates the lighting directly into the screen. It creates a gentle illumination around the edges of the display, providing more even and flattering light on your face when room lighting is dim, such as during evening meetings, on rainy days, or in rooms with a single overhead bulb.
The feature is smart about staying out of your way. A key usability detail is that the light recedes near the mouse pointer, ensuring you can still easily access menus and click on interface elements without the glow becoming an obstruction. This thoughtful design prevents a helpful feature from turning into an annoyance during prolonged use.
Customisation and Compatibility
Users are not stuck with a one-size-fits-all light. Edge Light offers controls to tailor the effect to your specific environment. You can adjust both the brightness and the colour tone, shifting it warmer or cooler to match or compensate for your existing room lighting. This is particularly useful if your ambient light is too yellow, too harsh, or changes throughout the day.
The feature is available for Macs with Apple silicon. For users with Mac models introduced in 2024 or later, there's an added convenience: Edge Light can activate automatically when the system detects low ambient light at the start of a video call. This addresses the common scenario where you only realise you need better lighting after a colleague points out you're hard to see.
Importantly, Edge Light works across different video calling applications, meaning you aren't locked into using FaceTime or a specific platform to benefit from it. Whether you're on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or another app, the feature should be accessible.
How to Enable Apple's Edge Light on Your Mac
Activating Edge Light during a call is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to brighten your video presence:
- Begin a video call on your Mac.
- Look for the Video menu icon in your Mac's menu bar.
- Click the Video menu and select 'Edge Light' to toggle it on.
- For fine-tuning, click the options next to Edge Light to adjust the brightness and warmth/coolness sliders until the lighting looks natural in your preview.
- If you own a 2024 or newer Mac model, look for and enable the 'Turn on automatically in low light' option for a truly hands-free experience.
The update, detailed by tech writer Kanja Budhiraja, was published on 16 December 2025. It represents Apple's focus on enhancing the core, everyday experiences of its users, particularly as hybrid work and video communication remain integral to professional and personal life. Edge Light is a prime example of a small software tweak that can make a significant difference in daily digital interactions.
