Circle to Search has emerged as one of Google’s most significant achievements in recent years. Originally available only on Google and Samsung smartphones, this feature was expanded to include a wider range of Android devices in late 2024. Currently, Google is introducing this functionality to Apple devices, albeit with certain notable restrictions.
On Android devices, Circle to Search operates seamlessly across nearly all applications and screens. Users can activate the feature by long-pressing the navigation bar, allowing them to circle, scribble, or tap on any item displayed to obtain further information.
On iPhones, the functionality is considerably more limited. This feature is exclusively accessible through the Google app and Chrome. Instead of a straightforward long-press action, users must tap the three-dot menu and choose “Search this Screen” to initiate a search.
Rather than fully transferring Circle to Search, Google is effectively incorporating its capabilities into Google Lens as an enhancement for Chrome and the Google app on iOS.
This approach is logical, as Lens has historically provided similar features; however, users generally need to launch the app and upload a screenshot to recognize the content on their screen. The recent update streamlines this process somewhat, although it remains less efficient compared to the experience on Android.
Google has announced that a new Lens icon will be introduced in the upcoming months to facilitate easier access to this feature. However, comprehensive system-wide integration, akin to that on Android, is not currently planned.
Google Lens is getting AI overviews
While Lens will now help iPhone users search what’s on their screen, the standalone Google Lens app for both Android and iOS is also getting an upgrade with AI overviews.
When utilizing Google Lens to search for an object such as a flower or a vehicle, users will now encounter an AI-generated overview that describes the item within the Lens results. This feature is accompanied by links to relevant online resources.
This update is currently being implemented for English-speaking users in regions where AI overviews are accessible.
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