Achieve unlimited webcam angles on macOS with Continuity Camera

Continuity Camera is one of the most useful features introduced to macOS in recent years. Use your iPhone’s rear camera system as your Mac’s webcam to improve video quality and add functionality. However, the difficult part is finding the best way to mount iPhone that works on Mac. FYI, Continuity Camera is only active when your iPhone is locked, mounted horizontally, and close to your Mac.

MacBook owners can use the Belkin Continuity Camera mount for laptops that we reviewed last year. For desktop owners, there’s the Belkin iPhone mount for Mac desktops and displays, which I’ve been using for the past few months. Continuity Camera support aside, this is a very solid iPhone mount and a great way to mount your smartphone on a tripod. At just $40, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to buy one for yourself.

About this article: I purchased the Belkin iPhone Mount for Mac Desktop for personal use. Belkin had no involvement in this article and did not review its contents before publication.

Price and availability

Belkin’s iPhone mount for Mac desktops and displays works with all MagSafe-equipped iPhones (typically iPhone 12 series and newer). Works with most displays and monitors and can be adjusted with sliders and hinges. The mount retails for $40 but can be purchased on Amazon for $33. It’s also available for purchase on Apple and Belkin’s websites, although the latter’s stores are out of stock on the mount as of this writing.

my favorite thing

Works well with the continuous camera feature in macOS.

The appeal of Belkin’s desktop mount lies as much in the Continuity Camera as it does in the product itself. This feature improves the video quality and I find it easy to use it for video calls. It takes a minute or two to mount your iPhone on your Mac using the Belkin mount. Your computer should automatically connect to your phone. The downside is that you can’t use your iPhone while using Continuity Camera, but the improved video quality makes it worth the trade-off.

This feature improves the video quality and I find it easy to use it for video calls.

Belkin’s mount is primarily made of aluminum, with some rubber used in the parts of the mount that make contact with the device. Rubber material increases grip and prevents iPhone from sliding off his Mac display. It’s also a soft material like aluminum, so it won’t scratch your computer. Looking around at the mount, it’s somewhat bulky, but it still has the potential to be pocketed. There’s a slider that moves the iPhone back and forth, and a tilt hinge that lets you move it up to 25 degrees down from vertical.

Continuity Camera is an even more useful feature on Mac desktops, since only iMac and Studio Display owners have built-in webcams. If you’re using a Mac Mini, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro, you’ll need to use a separate webcam for video calls. Considering that the Belkin mount costs $40, find a similarly priced he webcam that matches the quality of your iPhone. You can’t beat the latest iPhones in this price range, but that’s to be expected given the price.

Tripod screw compatibility brings video calling innovation

Belkin has managed to pack some extra features into their continuity camera mount. This time, the base of his iPhone mount for desktop and display came with a standard his quarter inch tripod screw. This means you can connect it to almost any standard camera tripod. I used it in conjunction with a cheap tripod I had and had great results. Tripod screw compatibility is a killer feature that makes Belkin’s mount much more useful than your average webcam.

Tripod screw compatibility is a killer feature that makes Belkin’s mount much more useful than your average webcam.

Tripod compatibility means you can simply mount your iPhone on top of your Mac desktop. Can be mounted on the side to provide another perspective. Alternatively, you can mount it in a way that provides an overhead view of your hands and desk. Simply put, there are lots of creative ways to use Belkin’s mounts to enhance your video calls and presentations. The best part is that if you already have a webcam, you can switch between your iPhone’s view and your regular webcam’s view in seconds.

It’s worth noting that there is a continuous camera feature called Desk View. This feature uses your iPhone’s ultra-wide camera to show you what’s on your desk. However, using a dedicated tripod or mount will give you a much better experience.

What I hate

Adjustments that can be made are limited

If you want a Belkin mount, there aren’t too many drawbacks, but there are limits to what you can adjust. This mount uses two hinged parts to secure your phone to the top of your monitor. It’s easy to clamp, making it ideal for medium-sized monitors that are a little thick. I used it on my ultra-thin M3 iMac and it worked well, but I wish it was a little more stable.

If you want a Belkin mount, there aren’t too many drawbacks, but there are limits to what you can adjust.

Also, the range of motion for angle adjustment is limited. You’ll have to worry about the weight of your iPhone, especially if you push the supported angles to their limits. It’s not a perfect solution, but it takes a generic approach that should work for most applications.

Should I buy a Belkin iPhone mount for my Mac display?

You should purchase a Belkin iPhone mount for your Mac desktop if:

• I want to use my iPhone’s camera on my desktop or monitor
• I want a high quality mount at a reasonable price.
• Video calls require multiple camera angles

Do not purchase the Belkin iPhone mount for your Mac desktop if:

• I mainly use the continuity camera on my laptop.
• I don’t have an iPhone and Mac running the latest OS version
• If you need more range of motion within the mount

Continuity Camera is a key feature in macOS, but it’s even better with this Belkin mount. The ability to capture live video from multiple camera angles and switch between them in real time revolutionizes video calling. Considering potential buyers already have a Mac and an iPhone, a $40 mounting accessory is all it takes to turn your setup into a professional video calling station.