Apple has unveiled a game-changing feature called Circle to Search in its latest iOS 26 update, utilizing the innovative Visual Intelligence framework. This advancement allows users to take a screenshot, encircle any desired part, and effortlessly conduct a search, engage with Ask GPT, or identify objects in the image. This tool is designed for speed and is seamlessly integrated into Apple Intelligence, compatible with all supported iPhone models.
Revolutionizing Screenshot Searches: Apple’s Visual Intelligence in iOS 26
Introducing the next-generation Visual Intelligence framework, Apple gives iPhones the capacity to comprehend on-screen content, identifying text, images, and objects with remarkable accuracy. With the launch of iOS 26, this technology is embedded directly within the screenshot user interface, enabling users to conduct searches on various elements.
Upon capturing a screenshot, users will find new buttons—Ask GPT, Image Search, and more—positioned prominently at the bottom of the screen. These functionalities focus on the specific area of the screenshot that users have selected, simplifying the process of acquiring information and ensuring a user-friendly experience.
This new feature is reminiscent of Google’s Circle to Search on Android devices, but with a key difference; it prioritizes user privacy by keeping all processing on-device. When users select Ask GPT, the request is securely routed to ChatGPT, ensuring that privacy remains intact.
Key Features of the Visual Intelligence System
- Brings a unique “Circle to Search” functionality to screenshots.
- Offers options like Ask GPT, Image Search, or Pinterest for enhanced visual inquiries.
- Compatible with iPhone models that support Apple Intelligence, including the iPhone 15 Pro and more recent variants.
How to Use Circle to Search on iOS 26
To utilize this feature, follow these simple steps:
- Capture a screenshot by simultaneously pressing the Volume Up and Side Button.
- Wait for the thumbnail preview to appear in the bottom left corner.
- Tap on the preview to access the toolbar featuring options like Ask GPT and Image Search.
- Use your finger to highlight or circle the specific area of the screenshot that you wish to analyze or search.
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Circle to Search in iOS 26 empowers users to highlight areas of a screenshot to obtain immediate visual results. - Select an action, either tapping the Ask GPT button on the left or the Image Search option on the right.
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With iOS 26’s Ask GPT feature, users can easily search or analyze any circled section of a screenshot. - Once finished, either close or save your screenshot.
These straightforward steps illustrate how to utilize the Circle to Search feature on your iPhone running iOS 26. Although the process diverges slightly from Google’s equivalent, it effectively fulfills the same purpose, eliminating the need for third-party applications and relying entirely on Apple’s secure, on-device Intelligence.
Enhanced Features Through Third-Party App Integration
If you have certain compatible applications like Pinterest installed, iOS 26 will automatically incorporate these into the Visual Intelligence panel. For example, with Pinterest, users can use its Lens Search feature to discover related content stemming from a screenshot.
This integration forms part of Apple’s Visual Lookup Extensions, allowing developers to connect their applications with Apple Intelligence. Users hold the power to enable or disable these integrations through the Settings menu. Should you choose to disable them, the screenshot interface will default to its prior state, devoid of these enhancements.
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