iPadOS 17 introduces support for an external studio monitor webcam and microphone via a USB Type-C port
iPadOS 17 was revealed on Monday at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023 along with other software and hardware. iPadOS 17 is likely to be available to users in the third quarter of the year. With this update, the Messages app comes with a major UI overhaul, and the lock screen gets new widgets and a healthy app layout. The newly launched OS supports Studio Display and other external displays and microphones through the USB Type-C port. Of course, this feature will only support iPad models with a USB Type C port.
Apple demonstrated the process for connecting external webcams or USB microphones to iPads that support USB Type-C ports. To use external devices, users will only be required to connect them to the iPad to start using them. Some webcams and microphones may still not be supported, but the company has made a big change. iPad users connected to a secondary display will be able to use the webcam in front of that secondary device, instead of using the iPad’s built-in webcam.
The AVFoundation API can help application developers enable video rotation from external and built-in cameras, let users choose audio input options, offer echo cancellation improvements, and more.
iPadOS 17 also brings a new customizable lock screen and improvements to Stage Manager. It will come with interactive widgets for the lock screen, a PDF editing app that helps embed PDFs directly into the Notes app for easy reference, and UI updates for the iMessage app. The operating system also allows users to leave users audio or video messages when someone doesn’t answer their FaceTime call.
All developers can access the first beta of iPadOS 17. The public beta is expected to be available by August while the stable version is likely to be launched by November this year.