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New Delhi: Google has officially launched its popular ‘Circle to Search’ feature on iPhones, marking a major expansion of AI-powered search capabilities for Apple users. Previously available only to Android users since 2024, the tool allows users to highlight or draw around objects on their screen to perform instant visual searches.

While iPhone users welcome the feature, it comes with notable restrictions—unlike on Android, where it integrates system-wide, iOS users can only use it within Google-owned apps.

How to Use ‘Screen Search with Google Lens’ on iPhones

To access the feature, iPhone users must install the Google Lens app and use it via the Google app or Chrome browser. The tool is now labeled “Screen Search with Google Lens” on iOS.

Steps to Use Screen Search on iPhones:
Open the Google app or Chrome browser.
Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
Select ‘Screen Search’ from the menu.
Highlight, draw around, or tap an object on the screen to search instantly.

Where It Works:

  • Shopping searches
  • Research & exploration
  • Identifying objects in images

Key Limitations on iPhones vs. Android

No System-Wide Access on iOS

  • Unlike Android users, who can use Screen Search across all apps (social media, messaging, home screen, etc.), iPhone users can only access it through Google’s own apps.
  • Apple’s restrictions on third-party system integration prevent deeper functionality.

Full Access on Android

  • Android users can perform searches from any screen on their device, making it a seamless AI-powered tool across the entire system.

Google Lens Gets Smarter with AI Overviews

Alongside Screen Search, Google has enhanced Google Lens with AI Overview technology, delivering:
AI-generated summaries alongside search results
More detailed contextual insights for precise information

Upcoming Enhancements:
Google plans to introduce a dedicated search icon in Chrome’s address bar for easier visual search access.
Future updates will bring more AI-powered improvements for both Android and iOS users.

What’s Next for iPhone Users?

While Google’s AI-powered search tools are expanding to iOS, Apple’s system restrictions limit their full potential. Until Apple allows deeper third-party integration, Android users will continue to enjoy a more seamless experience with Screen Search.

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