Google Lens' new "Search Screen" feature on iOS still has some flaws to fix, but it's not entirely Apple's fault

Google is introducing a new way for iOS users to perform quick visual searches using Google Lens, but there’s a catch.

The feature, called “Search Screen with Google Lens,” is coming to both Chrome for iOS and the Google app, offering a similar experience to Android’s Circle to Search—though with some limitations.

On iOS, “Search Screen with Google Lens” only works within Chrome and the Google app, unlike Circle to Search on Android, which functions system-wide. Apple doesn’t allow third-party apps to integrate such features at the OS level.

You can activate it from the three-dot menu and naturally interact with the screen, such as drawing, highlighting, or tapping to search for information instantly.

Google says this update allows users to search without taking screenshots or opening a new tab, making it easier to find information while browsing. “You can quickly perform a visual search while browsing, without having to take a screenshot or open a new tab,” Google explained in its announcement.

Folks over at MacObserver spotted last year that Google started working on it, but its implementation and full launch took almost a year.

In the coming months, Google also plans to add a Lens icon directly to the Chrome address bar for even faster access. Alongside this, Google Lens is also getting AI Overviews to help users understand their searches better, particularly when identifying objects. These AI-generated summaries will provide context and links to relevant sources on the web.

The update is rolling out globally this week, so iOS users should soon be able to try out the new feature in Chrome and the Google app.