# **Apple’s Devices Receive a Taste of Circle to Search for Searching**
Google is introducing a notable search enhancement for Apple’s iPhones, featuring functionality similar to Android’s **Circle to Search**. Although not as extensive as its Android version, this new option allows iPhone users to **utilize Google Lens for searching their screen** within Chrome and the Google app. Moreover, Google is improving its **AI Overview’s visual search features** to deliver more informative results.
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## **New Search Functionality from Google for iPhones**
Google has revealed that **iPhones will be getting a “Search Screen with Google Lens” feature** soon. This tool empowers users to **draw, highlight, or tap** on their screen to start a search query. However, in contrast to Android’s Circle to Search, which functions across the entire device, this feature is presently **restricted to Chrome and the Google app on iOS**.
### **Functionality Overview**
1. **Launch Chrome or the Google app** on your iPhone.
2. **Click the three-dot menu** located at the bottom of Chrome’s interface.
3. Choose **”Search Screen with Google Lens.”**
4. Your screen will become **multi-colored**, indicating that you can **draw, highlight, or tap** on any item of interest.
5. Google Lens will process the query and present pertinent search results.
6. Users can **add more questions** after the initial search for further detailed information.
This feature will enable iPhone users to search for **articles, products, and videos** within Chrome and the Google app. Google has also suggested the addition of a **Lens icon to the Chrome address bar** on iPhones, mirroring the web experience.
The rollout for this feature is **anticipated to commence globally this week** for Chrome and the Google app on iOS.
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## **Visual Search Enhancement for AI Overview**
In addition to the iPhone feature, Google is **improving AI Overview’s visual search functionalities**. The company is incorporating **advanced AI models** into Google Lens to better analyze and supply information on **distinct or new images**.
### **Implications for Users**
– Users **won’t have to type questions**—Google Lens will evaluate the image and deliver relevant insights.
– The AI will be capable of **interpreting uncommon images**, such as a **broken windshield**, providing explanations or suggestions.
This update will be accessible **this week** in the Google app on **Android and iOS** for English-language users where AI Overviews are available. Google also aims to extend this capability to **Chrome and desktops soon**.
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## **Comparison with Android’s Circle to Search**
While this new feature for iPhones is a **move toward equality with Android**, it remains **more restricted** than Circle to Search.
– **Circle to Search on Android** permits users to **activate the function anywhere** on their device.
– **iPhone users** can only utilize it within **Chrome and the Google app**.
It is still uncertain whether Google will **broaden this functionality** to other iOS apps in the future.
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## **Ongoing Development of Google Lens**
Google has been steadily enhancing Lens to boost **visual search functionalities**.
– In **October 2023**, Google Lens rolled out **video recording features** on Android.
– Users can **record a brief video** of an object, and Lens will evaluate it to provide **AI-generated insights**.
These enhancements reflect Google’s commitment to **advancing visual search technology**, making it increasingly intuitive and user-friendly across various platforms.
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## **Concluding Remarks**
Google’s **Search Screen with Google Lens** for iPhones is an exciting addition, offering Apple users a **glimpse of Android’s Circle to Search**. Though still **limited to Chrome and the Google app**, it provides a **robust new method for visual searching**.
Furthermore, the **AI Overview upgrade** improves Google’s capacity to **interpret intricate images**, yielding more informative search results.
With these updates, Google continues to **expand the frontiers of AI-driven search**, ensuring users across platforms experience **smarter and more intuitive search interactions**.
Would you be interested in seeing the **full Circle to Search functionality on iPhones**? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🚀
