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Google finally makes the useful circle to search for iPhone users, although it is now all too easy to miss.
As Google recently announced on his blog, iPhone users get access to his powerful AI -search tool, although not under the previous name of Circle to search.
Here is the lowdown on which circle can be searched and how you can open 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 or AI tools.
It offers the possibility to essentially freeze what is on the screen at the time, and then circling or tapping content to search for contextual information.
This works for text and images. It is both powerful and intuitive and has entered into the daily use of many Android users.
Now iOS users can get a taste of the circle to look for, if they know where to look.
How do you go to Circle to search on iPhone?
For whatever reason, Google refers to the ‘search screen with Google Lens’ on iOS.
You can soon find this option in the three-point/more menu of both the Chrome for iOS and Google app for iOS.
In the coming months, Google will also make this hidden position clearer by a new lens icon in the address bar of those above apps.
When is Circle To SSearch coming to iOS?
Google says that the search screen with Google Lens function is being rolled out this week for English-language users, so keep your eyes open.
After having checked both apps on my iPhone 15 Pro, it now seems to be available in both apps here in the UK.
And yes, the function works exactly the same as Circle to search on my Google Pixel 9 Pro.
Why Android users still have the advantage
Although it is mechanically identical, the iOS implementation of circle to search is more inherently limited than the original Android One.
On the operating system of Google, Circle to Search Works System-wide with a press bar of the gesture (if that is your chosen input). In iOS you can only use the function in those two Siled Google apps.
Technically, Android owners still have exclusive access to Google’s Circle to search, but then iPhone users can now at least get a taste of what they miss.