### iOS 26 Can Transform Regular Text URLs into Clickable Links through Screenshots
iOS 26 unveils an impressive functionality that improves how users engage with screenshots, especially regarding regular text URLs. This feature tackles a widespread annoyance: facing URLs that are not readily clickable, notably on platforms like Instagram where clickable links in captions are not allowed.
#### The Issue with Regular Text URLs
Numerous users have experienced the hassle of wanting to navigate to a URL shown in regular text. This situation often arises on social media where users might share a URL in their captions or comments, leading to instances like:
1. “Link in bio”
2. A regular text URL that necessitates manual copying and pasting
Although the occurrence of plain text URLs has diminished, they remain prevalent, underscoring the demand for a more effective resolution.
#### The Innovation in iOS 26
With the launch of iOS 26, Apple has harnessed visual intelligence AI to revolutionize how users can engage with these URLs. By merely capturing a screenshot of the content containing a regular text URL, users gain access to a new capability that automatically identifies the URL and transforms it into a clickable link.
Upon taking a screenshot, iOS 26 examines the image and showcases a hyperlinked version of the URL at the lower part of the screen. This enables users to open the link with a single tap, removing the inconvenience of copying and pasting.
#### Prerequisites for the Feature
To take advantage of this groundbreaking capability, users need to have an AI-compatible iPhone model, such as the iPhone 17, iPhone 16, or iPhone 15 Pro. By default, screenshots in iOS 26 will redirect users to a fullscreen interface where the clickable link is prominently featured.
However, if users opt to return to the prior iOS 18 setting, where screenshots appear as a small thumbnail in the bottom-left corner, they must tap the thumbnail to access the fullscreen view and view the clickable link.
#### Final Thoughts
The capacity to turn regular text URLs into clickable links via screenshots in iOS 26 represents a major improvement for users who often face this challenge. This feature not only simplifies the process of navigating online content but also highlights Apple’s dedication to incorporating advanced AI technologies into their devices. Users are encouraged to try out this functionality and share their feedback regarding the new feature.