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
97 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
97 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
97 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
97 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
97 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
97 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

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...