Google brings ‘Circle to Search’ feature to iPhones with restrictions

Google has also indicated that in the coming months, a new Lens icon will appear in the address bar, providing even quicker access to Screen Search

In a move to enhance the user experience across platforms, Google has brought its popular ‘Circle to Search’ feature, previously exclusive to Android, to iPhones. Initially introduced in 2024, the feature allows users to perform visual searches by selecting parts of their screen. While the AI tool has quickly gained popularity on Android smartphones, its iPhone version comes with some restrictions and limited capabilities.

For iPhone users, the feature is now called “Screen Search with Google Lens”. To use it, users must have the Google Lens app installed. Unlike its Android counterpart, the iPhone version works only within the Chrome and Google apps, not system-wide. This limitation is one of several that Google had to address in order to bring the feature to Apple’s mobile ecosystem.

New Screen Search simplifies browsing

To access Screen Search, users can select the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of either the Chrome or Google app for iOS. Once activated, users can highlight, draw, or tap any part of the screen while continuing to browse, making it easier to perform visual searches without needing to take screenshots or open additional tabs. This feature is particularly useful when browsing within Chrome, allowing seamless and quick searches.

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Google has also indicated that in the coming months, a new Lens icon will appear in the address bar, providing even quicker access to Screen Search. Additionally, Google Lens will start showing AI Overviews results, similar to what’s already available with Google Search, enhancing object identification.

The new Screen Search and Google Lens updates are expected to roll out globally to iPhone users soon, further enhancing the integration of AI tools in daily smartphone use. 

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