I am considering to buy a new Mac Mini which comes with an impressive spec. However, apart from a very basic loudspeaker it lacks the audio/video input capabilities on its own and I would like to avoid - if at all possible - cluttering my desk with an external camera and mic.
Is there a way to use the iPhone or iPad camera/mic/loudspeakers on the Mac Mini?
Mac mini 2018 or later
Yes you can provided your iPhone has the latest version of iOS:
Yes you can provided your iPhone has the latest version of iOS:
No. There is no path to using the iPad or iPhone as you are considering. You will be required to purchase a camera and speakers in addition to the mini.
If clutter is a concern, I suggest you reconsider the mini as your new Mac and give some serious thought to a new iMac. It will have all the power of the mini, plus a built-in monitor and audio/video with no additional clutter. In fact, much less clutter than the mini after you add a monitor and a/v devices.
Thank you! The fact is I already have two 27" monitors and for my way of working I need both. iMac is only a single 24" display, it offers M1 (as opposed to M2 on the new Mini) and still a bit more expensive than the Mini. My two monitors, the Bluetooth keyboard, mouse and trackpad are now connected to a Microsoft Surface Pro (via its dock) and to a Linux server running on an old 2012 Mac Mini. I can easily add a new Mac Mini to that setup with just two additional USB-C cables (to the monitors) and the only thing missing for a "complete" MacOS environment would be a mic and a camera. Therefore my question.
Thanks a lot! I did try that and managed to briefly see my iPhone as camera on the Mac. However, after a few seconds it disappeared and I was never able to use it since. And yes, I have all the conditions satisfied as listed in the articles you mention - latest versions of the OSs, Continuity Camera selected on the phone, the iPhone is trusting my Mac, etc.
I understand. Another option to keep clutter to a minimum might be a monitor with a camera built in. I know they're available, but it's been a while since I cared to explore those offerings. :)
iPhone or iPad camera/mic/loudspeakers used on Mac Mini
