Unlocking Visual Intelligence: How to Use Apple’s Image Recognition Feature on Your iPhone

Apple has introduced its own version of visual recognition technology with Visual Intelligence, powered by its cutting-edge Apple Intelligence. Initially available on select models with a physical camera control button, this feature can now be accessed on any iPhone compatible with Apple Intelligence. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use Visual Intelligence effectively on your iPhone.

What is Visual Intelligence?

Visual Intelligence is an advanced image recognition tool that leverages Apple’s on-device AI capabilities. It enables live understanding of your camera’s viewfinder, allowing your iPhone to recognize various elements in the real world, such as objects, text, landmarks, animals, and plants.

Key Features of Visual Intelligence

With Visual Intelligence, you can:

• Identify objects and text
• Recognize landmarks and natural life
• Find local businesses with relevant suggestions

For instance, point your camera at a restaurant’s sign, and Visual Intelligence can provide directions, reviews, or reservation links—all without leaving the camera interface. However, this functionality is currently only optimized for users in the US, with varying accuracy in other regions.

How Does Visual Intelligence Safeguard Your Privacy?

Visual Intelligence processes all data on-device, ensuring your personal information stays private. Unlike third-party apps like Google Lens or ChatGPT, which require sharing data externally, Visual Intelligence prioritizes your privacy while offering robust features.

How to Access Visual Intelligence on Your iPhone

For iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Models

For users with the iPhone 16 series (excluding 16e), follow these steps:

1. Ensure your device is updated to iOS 18.2 or higher.
2. Activate Apple Intelligence in your Settings.
3. Long-press the Camera Control button on the right edge of your iPhone to launch Visual Intelligence.

For iPhone 16e and iPhone 15 Pro Models

Users of the iPhone 16e (iOS 18.3) and iPhone 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max (iOS 18.4) can access Visual Intelligence through the following methods:

• Action Button: Customize the Action Button by navigating to Settings > Action Button and selecting Visual Intelligence.
• Lock Screen: Add a Visual Intelligence shortcut to your lock screen for quick access.
• Control Center: Swipe to the Control Center and tap the Visual Intelligence tile to open it.

Utilizing Visual Intelligence on Your iPhone

The capabilities of Visual Intelligence are vast—from identifying flora and fauna to gathering information from printed materials.

Step-by-Step Guide to Use Visual Intelligence

1. Open Visual Intelligence using your preferred method described above.
2. Point your camera at the object of interest. Visual Intelligence will suggest actions based on what it detects.
3. If focused on an animal or plant, it will display the name at the top of the screen, which you can tap for more information.

When aimed at text, Visual Intelligence can:

• Summarize
• Translate
• Read Aloud
• Call a number, generate map directions, draft emails, visit websites, or create calendar events.

The actions suggested are context-sensitive, enhancing user interaction.

Accessing Business Information

Visual Intelligence can also provide detailed information about nearby businesses, including hours of operation, contact details, and services offered. For restaurants, you may see ratings, reviews, and options to make reservations or place orders.

Note: For specific interactions, either press the Camera Control button or tap the circle at the screen’s bottom for deeper insights, especially for text analysis or business actions.

Asking for More Information

Regardless of the content being analyzed, you will always have the ‘Ask’ and ‘Search’ options available. To inquire more:

1. Select ‘Ask’ for engaging with ChatGPT to get tailored information.
2. Select ‘Search’ to find similar items via Google Lens.

FAQ Section

Why Isn’t Visual Intelligence Available on My iPhone 15 Pro Max?

If Visual Intelligence isn’t functioning on your iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max, ensure your firmware is updated to iOS 18.4. You can access the feature through the Control Center or Lock Screen.

How Can I Enable Visual Intelligence on My iPhone?

To activate Visual Intelligence, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and ensure that Apple Intelligence is enabled.

Conclusion

Visual Intelligence demonstrates Apple’s innovative approach to vision-based AI, providing a convenient and user-friendly experience. Even when not flawless, it’s paving the way for broader AI adoption. Integrating ChatGPT and Google Lens further enhances your access to information, making Visual Intelligence a powerful asset on your iPhone.