Apple has finally introduced its take on Circle to Search in iOS 26, powered by the company’s new Visual Intelligence framework. The feature allows users to take a screenshot, circle any part of it, and instantly run a search, Ask GPT, or identify an object. It is fast and built directly into Apple Intelligence for all supported iPhone models.
Apple’s new Visual Intelligence in iOS 26 brings Circle to Search to screenshots with Ask GPT and Image Search integration
Visual Intelligence is Apple’s next-generation framework that enables iPhones to understand what’s happening on the screen, including detecting text, objects, and images. With iOS 26, it’s integrated directly into the screenshot interface that you can access at any given point to search for different things.
Once you capture a screenshot, you’ll see new buttons like Ask GPT, Image Search, and others at the bottom. These tools analyze the portion of the screenshot that you highlight or circle, making the process simple and focused for everyday use.
The approach mirrors Google’s Circle to Search feature on Android but keeps the experience private and on-device. Apple Intelligence handles the interpretation securely, and when you tap on Ask GPT, it hands the task over to ChatGPT through a privacy-protected medium.
What you should know
- The new Visual Intelligence system in iOS 26 brings a “Circle to Search” style feature to screenshots.
- You can use Ask GPT, Image Search, or even Pinterest for visual lookups and answers.
- Works on iPhone models that support Apple Intelligence, including the iPhone 15 Pro and all newer models.
How to use it
1. Take a screenshot by pressing the Volume Up and Side Button simultaneously.
2. Wait for the preview to appear at the bottom left corner of the screen.
3. Tap on it to open the toolbar, where you will see options like Ask GPT and Image Search on the bottom corners.
4. Use your finger to circle or highlight the specific portion of the screenshot that you want to search or analyze.
5. Choose an action, which could be the Ask GPT button on the left or the Image Search option on the right.
6. Close or save the screenshot once you’re done.
This is all that you have to do to use Circle to Search on your iPhone running iOS 26. The process might be a little different from what Google does, but it essentially performs the same task. The best part is that it does not require any third-party app, which means all processes are handled on-device by Apple Intelligence.
Third-Party app integration expands the feature
If you have a compatible app installed, like Pinterest, iOS 26 will automatically make it appear in the Visual Intelligence panel. For instance, installing Pinterest adds its Lens Search option, which lets users discover similar content from a screenshot.
These integrations are part of Apple’s new Visual Lookup Extensions, which allow developers to tie their apps into Apple Intelligence. Users can enable or disable them in the Settings app, and if you disable them, the screenshot interface will be pretty standard as it used to be before the update.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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