In fact, with additional software, now the iPhone can be used as a webcam for macOS devices. But in the latest macOS Ventura, this becomes a default feature alias without the need to purchase additional software.
This feature is called Continuity Camera, which is part of macOS Ventura. So the user simply finds a way to mount his iPhone at the top of the laptop screen, or wherever the user wishes, and the Mac device will recognize the iPhone as a camera.
This feature not only works for Mac's built -in video call applications such as FaceTime, but can also be used in various other applications such as Microsoft Teams, WebEx, Zoom, and so on.
Continuity Camera will basically take the image results from the iPhone's rear camera and send the image signal to the Mac, known as the image signal from the webcam. The feature itself also supports Center Stage and Portrait modes.
In the Center Stage, the system will change the image framing if the user shifts to the left or right, so the user's position in the image frame will remain in the center. While in Portrait Mode, the image will be displayed as Portrait Mode, ie with a blurred background, aka bokeh effect.
Oh yes, there is also a feature called Desk View to display images from the user's desk using an ultrawide camera, which can be displayed along with images from the main camera.
While showcasing this feature at WWDC 2022, Craig Federighi, Apple SVP of Software Engine Engineering, also promised that Apple would partner with Belkin to make a MagSafe iPhone accessory that could be used to attach an iPhone to a MacBook screen-or other screens.
Apple isn't sure when this feature will be available, but it will clearly be available to users in the near future. And the feature will also be available for devices that currently exist through software updates.