Google has announced that its previously Android-only Google Lens feature is now rolling out to iOS users who have the Google Photos app installed.

First unveiled last year at the Google I/O 2017 conference, Google Lens uses the company's image recognition and machine learning algorithms to identify the subjects of photos and videos and present additional helpful actions and information to the user.

google lens
For example, if you take a picture of a business card, Google Lens will offer to save the phone number or address to one of your contacts. Similarly, taking a photo of a book, landmark, building, painting, plant or animal can throw up an option to view more details about the picture's subject.

A few things to note: Currently Google Lens only works if your device's language is set to English, and you're running the latest version (3.15) of Google Photos. You can check what version you're running in the app's settings – tap the cog icon and select "About Google Photos" in the menu. Also note that your Google Lens activity is saved to your Google Account if you have Web & App Activity turned on.


If you still don't see the Google Lens icon when viewing individual photos or videos, it's likely the feature hasn't reached your region yet. Google says the update is being released in batches and all devices should receive it soon.

Google Photos is a free download for iPhone and iPad available on the App Store. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

Zadigre Avatar
89 months ago
OR I can avoid dealing the issue and not use Google.
or you can avoid using the Internet all-together... since your are basically "the product" everywhere you go.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
89 months ago
that's not what the TOS you quoted states, its not a boilerplate release to allow them to archive or make copies. Your quote states very plainly that you give google complete and full rights to your image to do anything and use your image without any further consent or notification.


[doublepost=1521207835][/doublepost]Its my images and I choose to not let google use, alter, copy, adapt, publish or display my images. Others do, and that's their choice but for me, I prefer protecting my rights and my images.
Respectfully, please re-read my comment. The archiving was an example, just as the displaying in different formats was an example. So was displaying on different devices. None were meant to be all encompassing.

More importantly, did you not read where I stated the language was not even from Google. It's from Apple. I even included the link. My point is you're not protecting anything. You're giving Apple the exact same permissions. If you use FB, you're giving those permissions to them. Pretty much any photo service you use has that exact same language.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
5105973 Avatar
89 months ago
that's not what the TOS you quoted states, its not a boilerplate release to allow them to archive or make copies. Your quote states very plainly that you give google complete and full rights to your image to do anything and use your image without any further consent or notification.


[doublepost=1521207835][/doublepost]Its my images and I choose to not let google use, alter, copy, adapt, publish or display my images. Others do, and that's their choice but for me, I prefer protecting my rights and my images.
Whoa, I think @69Mustang just said he actually got that quote from Apple. :eek:

Edit to add that I just clicked the link provided and yes it’s right there where he said it is.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
maflynn Avatar
89 months ago
I'm still not a fan of Google's services. You give them the right to use your images as they see fit, and that's something I'm not willing to accept.

Again, when the service is free, you are the product.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
maflynn Avatar
89 months ago
You can always fix that issue by paying for GSuite ('https://gsuite.google.com/pricing.html?tab_activeEl=tabset-companies'). Then you're protected by their business license which is a lot more restricted than their personal license.

If you don't want to be the product, Google lets you pay.
OR I can avoid dealing the issue and not use Google.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
maflynn Avatar
89 months ago
Respectfully, please re-read my comment. The archiving was an example, just as the displaying in different formats was an example. So was displaying on different devices. None were meant to be all encompassing.
Fair enough, I admit, I was mistaken, when you mentioned you referenced the google TOS but used Apple's.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Generic iOS 19 Feature Mock Light

iOS 19 Rumored to Be Compatible With These iPhones

Sunday December 22, 2024 8:09 am PST by
iOS 19 will not drop support for any iPhone models, according to French website iPhoneSoft.fr. The report cites a source within Apple. The report said that iOS 19 will be compatible with any iPhone that is capable of running iOS 18, which would mean the following models: iPhone 16 iPhone 16 Plus iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro ...
m3 macbook air blue

Apple Accidentally Leaked the Next MacBook Air

Sunday December 22, 2024 8:33 am PST by
Apple earlier this month released macOS 15.2, and in doing so it accidentally confirmed new MacBook Air models coming next year. Apple accidentally released macOS 15.2 restore files for unreleased "‌MacBook Air‌ (13-inch, M4, 2025)" and "‌MacBook Air‌ (15-inch, M4, 2025)" models. While it no surprise that the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models were going to be updated with the M4 ...
iPhone 17 Slim Feature Single Camera 2 Redux

Top 5 Apple Products to Look Forward to in 2025

Friday December 20, 2024 2:22 pm PST by
It's looking like 2025 is going to be an important year for Apple, with the company planning to revamp the iPhone, push further into smart home products, and improve Apple Intelligence. There are tons of new products rumored for 2025, including new iPhones, M4 Macs, a smart home command center, and much more. We've highlighted the top five Apple products that will have the biggest impact in...
Generic iOS 18 Feature Real Mock

iOS 18.2.1 Update Coming Soon for iPhone

Saturday December 21, 2024 4:45 pm PST by
Apple appears to be internally testing iOS 18.2.1 for the iPhone, based on evidence of the software update in our website's analytic logs this week. The logs have accurately revealed many iOS versions before they were released. iOS 18.2.1 should be a minor update that fixes bugs and/or addresses security vulnerabilities, but it is unclear which specific issues might be resolved. The update...
iPhone 16 Apple Store

iPhone Sizes Change Next Year: What to Know

Monday December 23, 2024 7:40 am PST by
This year, Apple tweaked iPhone 16 Pro screen sizes to make them bigger than 2023's iPhone 15 Pro models, and next year we are also expecting a change in the size of the displays in the iPhone 17 lineup. Here's what we know. Standard iPhone 17 Apple could introduce a new display size for the standard iPhone 17 model in 2025. The iPhone 17 could measure in at 6.3 inches, up from 6.1 inches,...
AirTag and Lavender iPhone

AirTag 2 Launching Next Year With These New Features

Tuesday December 24, 2024 8:35 am PST by
Apple is expected to release an AirTag 2 next year, and a few new features and changes have already been rumored for the item tracker. Below, we recap what to expect from the AirTag 2: The new AirTag is expected to be equipped with Apple's second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for longer range. The chip debuted last year in the iPhone 15 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple said it...
iphone 16 pro design cameras

iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Be More Like DSLR Camera With This Upgrade

Monday December 23, 2024 6:24 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still nearly two years away from launching, a new feature has already been rumored for the devices. In a blog post today, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reiterated that the main rear camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models will offer variable aperture, which would be a first for the iPhone. The main camera refers to the 48-megapixel...
Google Nest Hub 2

New 'HomePod' With 7-Inch Display, A18 Chip, and More Reportedly Launching Next Year

Saturday December 21, 2024 2:03 pm PST by
Apple plans to release a new "HomePod" with a 7-inch LCD display, an A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence support in 2025, according to DigiTimes. Google's Nest Hub It is unclear how much the screen-equipped HomePod would cost, but Apple is seemingly aiming for a reasonable price. In a paywalled report this week, the supply chain publication said Apple has selected China-based manufacturer Tianma ...