iOS 18.2 reveals Apple finally steals Circle to Search feature!

Apple iPhone getting Circle to Search-like feature with iOS 18.2 Beta. The function allows iPhone users to identify or search for information on what’s on the screen, with visualization matching Google’s Circle to Search.

Google is reportedly working to integrate Circle to Search with Lens. This way, all smartphones, regardless of platform, will be able to utilize the AI-powered search feature. However, Apple now has its own visually rich screen search feature.

The recently released iOS 18.2 Beta comes with a new “What’s on your screen?” feature powered by ChatGPT. The developer beta build brings Apple’s Visual Intelligence to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

How it works:

• iPhone users can ask Siri to analyze what’s on the screen. The assistant will then take a screenshot, letting you pass it over to ChatGPT for visual analysis.

Replicating Android and One UI features isn’t new in the Apple ecosystem. Samsung is far ahead in terms of useful and productivity features. However, the iOS reliability and loyal fanbase usually push new features to go trending.

Circle to Search

Samsung debuted Circle to Search with the Galaxy S24 series earlier this year. Later, the company expanded the functionality to several models. Google also made Circle to Search available on all Tensor-powered Pixel phones.

Circle to Search is crafted by Google in collaboration with Samsung. It’s an AI-powered search functionality that allows users to identify or search what’s showing on their smartphone’s screen in real-time, with no app switches required.