BenQ has launched the iScreenBar, a new monitor light designed specifically for Apple’s 24-inch iMac. Priced at $189, it attaches to the back of the all-in-one using a magnetic clamp and draws power directly from the iMac’s USB-C port.
Unlike a generic monitor light, the iScreenBar is designed around the iMac’s distinctive design. Its aluminium body and glass touch panel are intended to complement the computer without covering the built-in camera, microphone or rear Apple logo.
The magnetic clamp keeps the light bar securely attached to the back of the iMac, while a separate magnetic cable clip helps keep the power cable tucked away. BenQ says the iScreenBar is compatible with 24-inch iMac models released from 2021 onwards.
The lighting itself is designed to brighten your workspace without creating the sort of glare that can make working at a screen uncomfortable. BenQ uses asymmetric optics to illuminate an area measuring 33.5 x 19.7 inches at up to 500 lux, directing the light down towards the desk rather than back towards the display or directly into your eyes.
There are also a few smart touches. The iScreenBar has an ambient light sensor that adjusts brightness according to the conditions in the room, while presence detection can automatically switch the light on and off.
The bar can also detect when the iMac’s camera is being used. When that happens, its video call mode automatically adjusts the lighting to provide more even illumination on your face and reduce glare.
For more control, BenQ has a dedicated macOS app that lets users adjust brightness and colour temperature, as well as switch between different lighting modes without having to reach for the light itself.
The iScreenBar is available now through BenQ and Amazon for £149 / $189. That makes it considerably more specialised than a standard monitor light, but for iMac owners looking to keep their desk setup tidy while improving lighting, BenQ is clearly betting that the tailored design is worth paying for.
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