Google brings Circle to Search to iOS… kind of

Google’s Circle to Search was a highlight for major Android releases in 2024. The feature let users make a search on any screens just by long pressing the home navigation bar.

It was initially available to Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S lineups then eventually rolled out to more devices.

Now, Google is bringing that feature over to iOS, but not as seamless as with an Android phone.

The feature is limited to Google and Chrome apps, so instead of making use of the home navigation bar on iOS, users will have to do at least three actions.

Tap the three-dot menu > then select “Seach this Screen” > only then it allows circling or scribbling on the display to make a search.

Google essentially integrated its Google Lens feature as an add-on to Chrome and Google app on iOS, rather than a core system feature. So, it’s not as seamless as with Android as it’s limited within the two apps.

Furthermore, Google is also adding AI Overviews for Lens which gives users an AI-generated summary related to their search or Lens results.

The rollout for this update is underway for global users on both Chrome and Google app on iOS.