Screen Search with Google Lens: A New AI Feature for iPhones

Screen Search with Google Lens has emerged as an exciting AI feature for iPhone users, initially launched on Android smartphones under the name ‘Circle to Search’ in 2024. This innovative tool quickly gained popularity but was limited to Android devices. Now, Google has made this functionality available on iPhones, though with certain restrictions.

Understanding Screen Search with Google Lens

Screen Search with Google Lens, as it is referred to on iOS, requires the Google Lens app to function. Unlike its Android counterpart, this feature is not available system-wide on iPhones and is instead confined to the Chrome and Google apps. This limitation poses a challenge for Google as it adapts the feature for iPhone users.

How to Access the Feature

Users can find Screen Search with Google Lens in the three-dot menu located in the top right corner of both the Chrome and Google apps for iOS. When selected, it allows users to draw, highlight, or tap on items displayed on their screen while actively using Chrome or the Google app.

Benefits of Using Screen Search with Google Lens

Google emphasises that this feature enables users to execute a visual search swiftly while browsing. There is no need to capture screenshots or open additional tabs, making it a seamless experience during web searches on Chrome.

Upcoming Enhancements

In the near future, users can anticipate the addition of a new Lens icon in the address bar, further facilitating access to the Screen Search functionality. Additionally, Google Lens will begin displaying AI Overviews results, similar to those available in Google Search. This is intended to enhance the capability of identifying various objects through visual searches.

Users globally can expect these new features to roll out soon, bringing the advantages of Screen Search with Google Lens to the iPhone platform.