Unlocking the Power of Visual Intelligence on iPhone: A Complete Guide for Everyday Use

Introduction

Visual Intelligence on the iPhone is one of Apple’s most practical and underrated tools. With just a tap or a press, your iPhone can now recognize places, decode text, identify plants and animals, and even connect you to ChatGPT for quick answers - all in real time. Whether you’re exploring Singapore’s neighborhoods, reading a poster on a café window, or trying to translate a foreign sign, Visual Intelligence turns your iPhone into a smarter, more intuitive assistant.
 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what Visual Intelligence can do, how to access it on different iPhone models, and how to make the most out of this feature in your daily life.

We also put it to the test to see if it really lives up to its hype and expectations. Let’s find out.

What is Visual Intelligence Used For?

Visual Intelligence leverages on-device machine learning and Apple’s AI models to understand what’s in your camera’s view. This allows your iPhone to:

• Look up places and businesses

• Translate and interact with text

• Identify animals, plants, and objects

• Add events directly from flyers or posters

• Search for similar items online

• Ask ChatGPT follow-up questions instantly

It’s like having a personal tour guide, translator, and researcher—all in your pocket.

iPhone Models That Support Visual Intelligence via Camera Control

The following models include Camera Control, allowing you to long-press for instant Visual Intelligence access:

• iPhone 16

• iPhone 16 Plus

• iPhone 16 Pro

• iPhone 16 Pro Max
 

How it works: Just open your camera, point it at a subject, and long-press on the Camera Control to activate Visual Intelligence. Your iPhone will immediately start analyzing the view and offer relevant options.

iPhone Models That Support Visual Intelligence via Action Button or Lock Screen Shortcut

If you’re using:

• iPhone 16e

• iPhone 15 Pro

• iPhone 15 Pro Max

You can activate Visual Intelligence in two ways:

a) Action Button

The Action Button replaces the traditional mute switch. You can customize it to launch Visual Intelligence.

To enable:

1. Go to Settings > Action Button

2. Scroll and select Visual Intelligence as your action

3. Press and hold the Action Button to activate Visual Intelligence

b) Lock Screen Control

For quick access, add a Visual Intelligence control to your Lock Screen:

To enable:

1. Go to Settings > Control Center

2. Tap + beside Visual Intelligence

3. Now, from the Lock Screen, swipe down and tap the Visual Intelligence icon to begin

What Can You Do with Visual Intelligence?

Let’s dive into the practical use cases and how to activate each:

a. Ask Information To Go Around

Example: You’re at Sims Lane in Singapore and want to know the way to the nearest MRT.

Steps:

1. Open the Camera and point it at the road sign.

2. Take a snapshot of the road sign and click Ask.

3. Type in your question and press send. 

ChatGPT will provide you with the answers within seconds. 

Actual testing result: ChatGPT provided an incorrect answer - while it tried to help, the nearest MRT to Sims Lane is actually Aljunied MRT.

b. Get Information About Animals and Plants

You’re hiking at MacRitchie Reservoir and see an unfamiliar plant.

Steps:

1. Activate Visual Intelligence and point your camera at the plant

2. Your iPhone identifies the species and offers articles or images for confirmation

Actual testing result: ChatGPT answer was not 100% accurate. When we search using Google, it provide a more precise name - Calathea Lutea, which identify similar to the actual plant.  

c. Interact with Text

See a Japanese menu or a articles in a foreign language?

Steps:

1. Activate Visual Intelligence and point your camera at the text

2. You’ll get options to:

• Translate

• Read aloud

• Summarize

• Copy text to Notes or Messages

This is great for travellers, students, and anyone working across languages.

Actual testing result: The translation was inaccurate especially when it comes to names of building and places. The grammar and sentence structure is incorrect as it translate word for word. 

d. Create a Calendar Event from a Poster or Flyer

Spot a poster for an event at Marina Bay Sand? Don’t type it out—just capture it.

Steps:

1. Activate Visual Intelligence and point the camera at the poster or event information

2. Visual Intelligence will detects date, time, and event name

3. Tap Create Event to add it straight to your calendar

Actual testing result: Capturing of venue, date and event name was correct. It is also include Edit button so user can input other information, which is very helpful. 

e. Ask ChatGPT for Information

Saw a product want to know where you can get it? 

Steps:

1. Activate Visual Intelligence and use camera to point at the item

2. Choose “Search Google”

3. You’ll get shopping links, similar products, and pricing details

This turns your iPhone into a visual shopping assistant.

Actual testing result: The response was fast and listed the place to purchase. Upon clicking Google, it provide a list of links where you can purchase the item online. 

f. Search Google for Similar Items

See an item or product and you want to find out more? 

Steps:

1. Use Visual Intelligence to capture the object or description

2. Tap “Ask ChatGPT”

3. Get a quick response generated through integrated AI

Perfect for instant learning or deeper context while on the go.

Actual testing result: The response was fast but answer was accurate. It provides a quick summary of what the item is use for. 

Final Tips to Maximize Visual Intelligence

• Ensure you have the latest version of iOS installed.

• Good lighting improves recognition accuracy.

• Use Wi-Fi for faster data queries, especially when accessing external info like Google or ChatGPT.

• Try using Visual Intelligence in various scenarios - signboards, books, packaging, public transport maps. 

Conclusion

Visual Intelligence transforms your iPhone from a powerful device into a truly intuitive companion. Whether you’re identifying a historical site, translating a foreign menu, or creating a calendar event from a street flyer, Visual Intelligence makes your iPhone smarter and your life easier.

Available across the latest iPhone 16 series and recent Pro models, it’s designed for everyday tasks that matter—from casual curiosity to productivity.

That said, Apple Visual Intelligence is still in its infant stage. The information provided by the feature may not always be 100% accurate. If you’re seeking information related to health, medication, or other critical topics, we highly recommend cross-checking with reliable sources or professionals to ensure accuracy.