Webex for Apple TV launches with support for 25-person videoconferencing

Webex for Apple TV enables up to 25 participants to videoconference at once, view shared meeting content, trigger reactions with hand gestures and more.

25-person video chat with Webex on Apple TV
How are such crowded video chats productive? | Image: Webex

The app is compatible with the second-generation Apple TV 4K or later and is available as an update to the existing Webex app on the App Store. The software is now available across the iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Vision Pro devices.

Apple TV now has two videoconferencing apps: Apple’s own FaceTime and Webex. Microsoft Teams and Zoom do not currently support the tvOS platform.

Webex videoconferencing arrives on Apple TV

“The new Webex app is specifically built for Apple TV 4K and empowers hybrid workers to join meetings from their biggest screen,” reads the announcement on the Webex blog. To get started with the app, you must first scan the QR code on the sign-in screen with your iPhone or iPad’s built-in camera.

4-person video chat with Webex on Apple TV
Video chat with other Webex users from your living room | Image: Webex

Once logged in, you can see the list of your upcoming meetings or browse through the Webex meeting list. Use your Siri Remote to navigate these meetings and join one by highlighting and clicking the remote. You’ll see a preview of your video and mic status so you can check your appearances beforehand.

Once in, you can manage the in-meeting call controls with the Siri Remote. Joining Webex meetings from the biggest screen in your home is great, but it would be even better if you could actually start a new group video chat from your Apple TV.

The magic of Continuity Camera

Like FaceTime, Webex takes advantage of Continuity Camera. This convenient feature available with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, tvOS 16 and macOS Ventura and later lets your Apple TV or Mac use an iPhone’s built-in camera and mic as a webcam.

It all works wirelessly and automatically, like magic. Continuity Camera is one of the most useful features of the Apple ecosystem.

You’ll need a tripod, or MagSafe mount for your iPhone

To make the most out of Webex on your Apple TV, you’re wholeheartedly recommended to mount your iPhone atop a tripod or use a dedicated accessory like Belkin’s $40 MagSafe iPhone mount, pictured below. It easily attaches to the top of any monitor or TV, and you can buy it from almost any Apple store.
Belkin's MagSafe iPhone mount on a monitor, holding an iPhoneYou just snap your iPhone onto it, and any compatible app can instantly use it. Continuity Camera also brings advanced features of your iPhone camera to apps like advanced image processing, Center Stage that automatically crops the video to keep everyone in the frame, as well as Portrait mode, Studio Light and Desk View.

Of course, Continuity Camera mounts and other MagSafe-compatible mounts and stands are available from other manufacturers. Check out our recommendations for iPhone stands that can be used for FaceTime and Webex on your Apple TV.