M1 MacBook Pro Camera Looks Blurry all the time.

I have just been on the phone to Apple tech team and this issue with both M1 Macbook Air & Pro is currently being resolved.

It's either going to be fixed with a software update or apple will recall the laptops to fix with a hardware update.

I asked how long they imagine the update would be out.....'soon'. It doesn't sound like a replacement would help fix the issue but I hope this helps a bit.

Hi ninolee,

the first thing that comes to mind... clean the cameras lenses, if you haven’t already cleaned them.

720p camera on this machine is insulting.

But the final image quality just can't be a lens/camera issue IMHO considering the various VFX I've seen in the 10 days I've had it: blur, haze, lens-flare, extreme highlights, rays, glows, colour tint, fog, etc basically a fresh new Michael Bay movie in every video call. I've tried all sorts, including the native M1 Zoom client settings and whatnot.

"During its November 10 Apple Silicon Mac event, the company shared that its new MacBooks do feature improved cameras thanks to a new image signal processor (ISP in its M1 chip). Apple says benefits include noise reduction, greater dynamic range, improved auto white balance, and ML-enhanced face detection."

Yeah, that sounds like it.

If Apple can't fix the ISP/ML with an update they should just overpass it completely and give us that raw, sweet, 10yr-old-smartphone quality we paid for.

I did call support and they advised to get it replaced. The new one had the same issue. I sent it back for a refund. I think it is a hardware issue that apple is not willing to admit, otherwise it would have been resolved with the a software update

Same problem here. I contacted Apple support, we went through the usual steps to rule out errors. Has brought nothing. Then at the Apple Store, after checking my Macbook Air the day before yesterday, I was told that this is the normal quality of the camera (sure, how could I expect more from a 1500€ device).

For all therefore an update:

What Apple offers at the moment: Return of the device within the extended Corona deadlines.

What Apple still does not offer: Compensation, update, external camera, ...

Of course I noticed this too. However, the problem for me appears to be restricted to low light situations. During the day, or with sufficient lighting, it's not a problem. It's a 720p camera and I believe the aperture is part of the problem. Hopefully, they can release a software fix to adjust for low light situations, but otherwise, let's hope they at least put a 1080p camera on the 2021s.

I knew I was taking a risk asking that question BUT you would be stunned to know, that very simple questions like the one I asked you often fixes many people’s issues. Anyhow, sorry if you took offense, I definitely did not intend to insult you.

When did you first notice the blurry pictures? It could be some type of condensation if you use your Mac in a humid environment.

If your Mac fairly new and is still covered under warranty, I’d take it in to be fixed.

Same thing here, picked up my Macbook pro M1 four days ago and the image quality from the built in camera is just awful. I had a 2017 Macbook pro before this one and the picture quality was way better. Called support and they told me to send it for a replacement, but I am not positive that the replacement will be better, since I see people reporting the same issue on many discussion sites. So disappointed!

Ended up returning mine that was bought from Best Buy. Too many issues to cost so much and didn’t want yet another repair. When I initially bought it it was plagued by the account creation issue that required another Mac old enough to run Apple Configurator 2 to upgrade firmware just to be able to set up the computer. Then after that I noticed the camera issue and that was the last straw for me along with Silicon not having enough support from developers for software like Google drive file system and so much more. If it doesn’t exist in the App Store at this point for m1, you can’t get it.

I replaced my M1 and it had the same issue! So I believe it is a hardware issue. Maybe a software update can make it less annoying, because I noticed that the image produced by the camera improved when running both FaceTime and Photo Booth side by side(Photo Booth was better)

Any updates on this would be truly appreciated!

With much excitement, I received my new Macbook Pro w/ M1 chip today - after a month of waiting for it to be delivered from overseas. I am extremely disappointed in the POOR quality camera image on all platforms (FaceTime, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Photobooth, etc.) My 2013 Macbook Pro had a better quality camera which is outrageous. I am now working from home due to COVID and needed to upgrade from the 2013 Macbook due to it being on its last leg of life and having issues with keeping up with programs and virtual meetings - which is a majority of my day.

I really hope Apple fixes this problem in the most convenient way possible because we invested a lot in this computer only for it to have a poor quality camera.

Same here, but it came out of the box working great. It has progressively gotten blurry over the three weeks I've had it. I have zoom recordings to document. Totally a hardware issue IMO. Must be replaced or will return.

I have the same issue with my MBP M1 2020. It looks like 240 quality video. In Apple say they're going fix it with software update, but I don't believe.

If not, I'm going to return it.

It's really awful that after pandemic, when everybody started to use cameras more often, apple decided to put this low-quality cam inside MBP. This is kind of hygiene already. In 2020, when you plan to buy a laptop you don't expect that webcam quality will be so awful and there is no need to check it before purchasing, especially if you pay $2,000 for it.

Very disappointed.