iOS 26 Visual Intelligence Transforms iPhone Screenshots into Interactive Hubs

Apple’s latest iOS 26 update introduces a powerful new capability for Visual Intelligence. The feature now works directly with content displayed on your iPhone screen. This change significantly expands how users interact with information.

According to reports, the feature is activated using the standard screenshot command. It provides instant options for searching, summarizing, and questioning any on-screen content. This integration marks a major step in making Apple Intelligence a core part of the user experience.

How to Activate and Use Screen-Based Visual Intelligence

Using the feature is simple. Press the Side button and Volume Up button simultaneously to capture a screenshot. The familiar screenshot preview will appear at the bottom of the display.

New Visual Intelligence buttons will now be visible. These options are context-aware and change based on the captured content. Users can immediately interact with the information without leaving the app they are using.

The system offers a wide range of actions. You can search for products, summarize articles, or ask specific questions. Tapping an option sends the screen data to Apple Intelligence for processing. Results appear almost instantly.

Broadening the Scope of On-Device AI Utility

This move makes Visual Intelligence far more practical. It is no longer limited to the camera’s view of the physical world. Users can now analyze text, images, and links from any application.

The potential uses are extensive. Students can quickly summarize research papers. Shoppers can find similar products from a single image. The ability to add events to a calendar directly from a screenshot saves valuable time.

This functionality is currently limited to newer iPhone models. It requires the advanced neural engines in the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, and the upcoming iPhone 17 series. This ensures a fast and seamless experience for all users.

The addition of screen content analysis makes iOS 26 Visual Intelligence a truly integrated smart assistant. It fundamentally changes how we interact with the information on our devices. This feature promises to boost productivity and simplify daily digital tasks.

Info at your fingertips

Which iPhone models support this new Visual Intelligence feature?

This specific screen-content feature requires iOS 26 and an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, or iPhone 17 series. These devices have the necessary processing power for Apple Intelligence.

Can I use Visual Intelligence on any app?

Yes, the screenshot function works universally. You can capture and analyze content from any app, including social media, web browsers, and productivity tools.

What happens to the data from my screenshots?

Apple states that data processed by Apple Intelligence is designed to protect user privacy. Personal context and information are not stored by the company.

Does the search feature use Google or another engine?

Visual Intelligence uses Apple’s own search technology. It may also leverage ChatGPT for complex queries, with user permission.

Can I highlight a specific part of the screenshot?

Absolutely. You can swipe your finger over a specific area to highlight it. The subsequent search or question will then focus only on the selected portion.

Trusted Sources
Reuters, Bloomberg