Google is bringing its popular ‘Circle to Search’ functionality to iPhones, enhancing visual search capabilities for iOS users. While the feature won’t carry the exact same name, iPhone users can now use intuitive gestures to search for anything on their screens via the Google and Chrome apps.
What’s New for iOS Users?
UUnlike Android, where ‘Circle to Search’ is built into the operating system, iPhone users must activate it through Google’s apps. This expansion also introduces improved AI Overviews, helping users get more detailed insights from their searches.
How the iOS ‘Search Screen with Google Lens’ Works
Google’s alternative to ‘Circle to Search’ on iOS operates within the Google and Chrome apps. Here’s how it works:
- Open the Google or Chrome app.
- Tap the three-dot menu to initiate a screen-wide Lens search.
- Instead of taking a screenshot, simply highlight, draw, or tap on the part of the screen you want to identify.
- Google Lens will instantly provide relevant information about the object, saving users from switching between tabs or manually searching.
Expanding AI Overviews for Smarter Visual Search
Google is also enhancing Lens with AI-powered overviews, making it smarter at identifying “unusual” objects. If Lens detects something unique, an AI Overview will automatically appear, offering detailed explanations and relevant web links—without the need for extra keywords or specific questions.
Key Differences Between Android & iOS Implementations
- On Android, ‘Circle to Search’ is built into the system and can be activated anywhere.
- On iOS, the feature is limited to Google and Chrome apps and requires activation from the menu.
- Gesture-based searches on iPhones provide similar functionality but lack native integration.
Availability & Rollout
- These features are rolling out globally this week for iOS users via the Google and Chrome apps.
- AI Overviews will initially be available to English-language users in select regions.
- Chrome users on desktop and mobile will receive AI Overviews soon after the mobile rollout.
Final Thoughts
Google’s expansion of ‘Circle to Search’ functionality to iPhones brings a seamless visual search experience to more users. By integrating AI-powered insights into Lens, Google continues to enhance how users interact with information in real time. iPhone users can now enjoy a smarter, more intuitive way to search—right from their screens.
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