Second beta of Studio Display Firmware 15. 5 seems to improve the webcam a bit more

Apple last week released a new beta firmware for Studio Display, which the company later confirmed addresses some of the webcam quality issues. With the release of macOS 12. 4 beta 3 earlier today, Apple also made the second beta of Studio Display Firmware 15. 5 available to developers – and it seems to improve the camera a bit more.

Since the Studio Display’s release, many consumers were very upset by the poor quality of the built-in front camera. Real-life tests have revealed that the images captured by the webcam are washed out and very noisy, especially in low-light situations.

With Studio Display Firmware 15. 5 beta, Apple has made some camera tuning, improved noise reduction, contrast, and framing to make the image look better. And while tests have confirmed these changes, they’re not as drastic as they sound. The company is still working to improve Studio Display’s webcam image.

Developer James Thomsom made some comparisons between the Studio Display before and after the update. Although the image looks a little blurred, it does seem that the beta firmware has improved image sharpness. The developer also noted that there’s more contrast and that the colors are a bit more natural after the update.

Of course, we still can’t expect much from a firmware update. As I previously wrote on 9to5Mac, the main cause of the Studio Display’s poor webcam quality is its ultra-wide lens combined with a small sensor. Apple has made an attempt to improve things.

Studio Display Firmware 15. 5 beta 2 is now available to developers. In order to install the update, your display must be connected to a Mac running the latest macOS beta available.

More about Studio Display:

• Here’s how to update the Apple Studio Display and improve your webcam quality
• iFixit Studio Display teardown examines infamous webcam, massive fans, logic board, more