Introduction
Google’s innovative “Circle to Search” feature, which captured the attention of Android users throughout 2024, is now making its way to iPhones. While the transition comes with a few limitations, this new capability opens up a host of possibilities for iOS users who love to explore visually. In this post, we’ll break down what the feature is, how you can use it on your iPhone, and what to expect from future updates.
What Is ‘Circle to Search’?
Originally designed for Android, “Circle to Search” quickly became popular for its ability to perform real-time visual searches. By simply drawing a circle or tapping on an object within the app, users could trigger a powerful search powered by Google Lens. This tool leverages artificial intelligence to identify objects, provide detailed overviews, and deliver relevant search results—all without needing to type a single word.
How It Works on iPhones
With its arrival on iOS, the feature has been rebranded as “Screen Search with Google Lens.” However, there are a few important differences compared to its Android counterpart:
- App Requirement:
To use Screen Search, iPhone users must install the Google Lens app. Unlike on Android devices—where the feature operates system-wide—on iOS, it is currently accessible only within the Chrome and Google apps. - Accessing the Feature:
Within these apps, simply tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner. From there, you can select the Screen Search option, which allows you to highlight, draw on, or tap objects directly on your screen without ever leaving the app. - Interactive Browsing:
This integration makes browsing more dynamic. Instead of taking a screenshot or switching between apps, you can instantly search for more information about any object or scene you come across while using Chrome or the Google app on your iPhone.
Limitations and Trade-offs
While the extension of Circle to Search to iOS is a significant upgrade, it comes with some trade-offs:
- Limited App Integration:
The feature isn’t available system-wide on iPhones. At this stage, you can only use it within the Chrome and Google apps, which may restrict its accessibility compared to Android’s broader integration. - User Experience Adjustments:
Google has made these compromises to ensure that the technology works smoothly on iOS. Although the experience is slightly more limited, it still offers considerable value by enabling quick visual searches on the go.
What’s Next? Future Enhancements and AI Overviews
Google is not stopping here. The company plans to further enhance the visual search experience on iOS:
- Enhanced App Integration:
Future updates will introduce a dedicated Lens icon directly in the address bar of Chrome, simplifying access to Screen Search even further. - AI-Powered Overviews:
Google Lens is evolving to provide more than just search results. The upcoming AI Overview feature will offer detailed context for objects such as plants, products, or landmarks. These overviews will appear alongside traditional search results, giving users richer insights and more contextual information at a glance. - Global Rollout:
The enhancements, powered by advancements in AI, are set to roll out globally. This means that iPhone users worldwide can soon expect a more immersive and informative visual search experience.
In Conclusion
Google’s transition of the “Circle to Search” feature to iPhones—now known as Screen Search with Google Lens—marks an exciting step forward in AI-powered visual search technology. Despite some initial limitations regarding app integration, the feature offers iOS users a dynamic and interactive way to explore the world around them. With future updates promising even more seamless integration and enriched AI Overviews, this tool is set to redefine how we search and interact with visual content on our mobile devices.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving feature, and let us know in the comments how you plan to use Screen Search on your iPhone!
