It looks like Apple is taking a page out of Android’s book! In the latest iOS 18.2 developer beta, Apple introduces a new on-screen recognition tool that feels a lot like Google’s “Circle to Search.” This feature first turned heads when Google rolled it out on the Pixel 8, then appeared on Samsung’s Galaxy S24, and recently became available on other Android devices. Now, iPhone users get a version of their own, with Apple’s Siri teaming up with ChatGPT to identify objects and locations on the screen — but with an Apple twist, of course.
The setup is classic Apple with a dash of AI: Siri now connects to ChatGPT for this handy “what’s on my screen?” command. Let’s say you’re scrolling through Instagram and see a breathtaking picture of a monument. You have no idea where it is. With iOS 18.2, you can simply ask Siri, “Hey Siri, what building is that?” Siri, ever the helpful assistant, will then take a screenshot and with your permission, send it to ChatGPT’s servers. ChatGPT, using its vast knowledge base, will then analyze the screenshot and tell you all about the monument in the photo. Pretty cool, right?
While it might feel a bit clunky compared to Google’s built-in approach — especially on non-iPhone 16 models without Visual Intelligence — it keeps you in the loop, so iPhone 15 Pro, M-powered iPad, and even Mac users aren’t left out. With just a bit of screenshot-wrangling, you’re ready to identify that cool spot from your friend’s vacation. For iPhone 16 users with Apple’s Visual Intelligence, Siri can analyze your camera’s live feed with an even faster AI-powered approach. For non-iPhone 16 users on iOS 18.2, the ChatGPT integration provides a welcome workaround.
The big picture? Apple is learning from Google’s Circle to Search, which Android users can simply draw around an object and use instantly. But in true Apple style, it’s only a temporary solution while Apple develops its own on-screen intelligence, planned for 2025. By then, Siri will work without ChatGPT’s help, scanning and identifying on-screen content natively.
So while it’s not exactly Circle to Search, Apple’s version gives iPhone users a taste of the feature everyone’s talking about. It might take a few extra taps, but hey — it’s Apple borrowing from Android, and for now, that’s good enough.
