Google introduces a Circle to Search-like feature for iPhones; here’s how it will work

A year ago, Google introduced ‘Circle to Search‘ as an instant way for users to look up a query on the screen. However, while Android users have been enjoying Google’s ‘Circle to Search’ feature for the past year, iOS users have been waiting for a similar convenience. But all that is about to change, as the company has just announced ‘Screen Search with Google Lens’ for those with an iPhone. Here’s everything the new feature can do, along with steps on how to use it effectively:

What is Screen Search with Google Lens on iPhone?

Like Google’s Circle to Search, the new feature will also offer users the freedom to search by simply highlighting an object on their screen. Apart from having shopping-related search results, the new feature will also be helpful to those who want to identify locations, as well as flora and fauna. If that’s not all, it will also allow iOS users to place a search query using Google Search.

ALSO READ: These smartphones and tablets will get Google’s Circle to Search in the coming days

However, unlike Circle to Search on Android, iPhone users will have to rely on their Chrome or Google app to use this feature successfully. Google, via a blog post, mentioned how iPhone users will be able to see a Lens icon in the address bar. The addition remains similar to a desktop version feature Google added for its Chrome users last year.

How to use Circle to Search on iPhone

To use Google’s Screen Search on an iPhone, you will have to navigate to the Chrome or Google app on your device. Once done, you can simply tap on the three-dot menu in the far right corner and select ‘Search Screen with Google Lens’. With this, you should be able to highlight anything on the screen by tapping or drawing. Moreover, depending on the search, you might also get an AI Overview summarising your response.

The new functionality is currently being rolled out to English-language users only. However, the brand mentioned how it will gradually make its way to the desktop and mobile versions of Chrome as well. Google bringing an Android feature to iOS is certainly promising and opens the door to more possibilities in the near future. However, with Gemini Live making its way to iPhones, we might just have to wait to see what else is in store for the brands.