Google is finally making its useful Circle to Search feature available to iPhone users, though it’s all too easy to miss right now.
As Google recently announced on its blog, iPhone users are being offered access to its powerful AI search tool, though not under its previous name of Circle to Search.
Here’s the lowdown on what Circle to Search is and how you’ll be able to access it on your iPhone.
What is Google’s Circle to Search?
Circle to Search has become one of the most useful examples of Google’s suite of AI tools.
It offers the ability to essentially freeze-frame whatever’s on the screen at the time, and then have you circle or tap on content to search for contextual information.
This works for text and images. It’s both powerful and intuitive, and has entered into the daily usage of many an Android user.
Now iOS users can get a taste of Circle to Search, if they know where to look.
How do you access Circle to Search on iPhone?
For whatever reason, Google is referring to the feature as ‘Search Screen with Google Lens’ on iOS.
You’ll soon be able to find this option in the three-dot/more menu of both the Chrome for iOS and Google app for iOS.
Over the coming months, Google will also make this hidden feature more evident through a new Lens icon in the address bar of those aforementioned apps.
When is Circle to Search coming to iOS?
Google says that the Search Screen with Google Lens feature is rolling out this week for English-language users, so keep your eyes peeled.
Having checked both apps on my iPhone 15 Pro, it seems to be available now in both apps here in the UK.
Sure enough, the feature works exactly the same as Circle to Search on my Google Pixel 9 Pro.
Why Android users still have the advantage
Despite being mechanically identical, the iOS implementation of Circle to Search is inherently more limited than the original Android one.
On Google’s OS, Circle to Search works system-wide with a press and hold of the gesture navigation bar (if that’s your chosen input). In iOS, you’ll only be able to use the function in those two siloed Google apps.
Android owners still technically have exclusive access to Google’s Circle to Search, then, but at least iPhone users can now get a taste of what they’re missing.
