Since the launch of the iOS 18.2 Developer Beta a few weeks ago, I’ve been actively exploring Apple’s new Visual Intelligence feature. Initially, I assumed it would just be a fun gimmick to showcase to my friends, but as time passed, I discovered its usefulness across various scenarios. In this article, I will outline some of the most effective ways to use Visual Intelligence, including tips for devices that lack Camera Control. Let’s dive in!
Don’t forget to check out our video below to witness these use cases in action—plus, I’ll reveal five additional examples that might resonate with you.
As a final note, keep in mind that this feature is still in the developer and public beta stages as of this writing. Therefore, if you’re on iOS 18.1, this feature won’t be accessible just yet. The public release of iOS 18.2 is expected around mid-December.
How to Enable Visual Intelligence
Interestingly, there aren’t any dedicated settings for this feature. Upon updating to iOS 18.2, you will receive a prompt guiding you on how to enable it, and that’s about it. This feature primarily functions on iPhone 16 models since a Camera Control button is needed to activate it. Simply long-press the button, and you’ll be directed into Visual Intelligence.
1. Summarizing & Reading Books Aloud
One of the standout uses is leveraging Visual Intelligence to read text aloud, regardless of the content. This has proven exceptionally beneficial for books and could potentially replace audiobooks in certain scenarios. Here’s how simple it is to use:
- Open Visual Intelligence
- Aim your phone at the text you want summarized or read aloud
- Your iPhone will recognize the text and ask if you’d like it summarized or read aloud
- Select your preference
- Sit back and enjoy
As someone who often relies on both the audiobook and physical copy to follow along, this feature is fantastic. I can take a quick picture of a single page and have Siri read it aloud. It’s incredibly useful for anything from contracts to instructions to books.
2. Reverse Google Image Search
One of the primary functions of Visual Intelligence is its search capability. While this functionality has existed in other applications, it’s great to see it integrated into iOS natively. You can capture any image using Visual Intelligence, and two options will appear: Ask and Search. For reverse image search, simply tap on the Search option, and it will locate similar results on Google. For example, when I photographed an iPhone, it returned nearby iPhones available for purchase. This feature is versatile and works with almost any object!
3. ChatGPT Ask Feature
As previously mentioned, Visual Intelligence offers two main functionalities: Ask and Search. We’ve already discussed Search, so what does Ask entail? This option utilizes ChatGPT. When you capture an image through Visual Intelligence and choose the Ask option, the image is sent to ChatGPT for interpretation. It can accurately detail and describe various elements in the image. However, it often refrains from explicitly naming certain types of intellectual property, like cartoon characters, but will still provide a comprehensive description without using specific names.
4. Real-Time Business Information
This feature of Visual Intelligence introduces a convenient augmented reality experience. Simply direct Visual Intelligence at a business, and you will receive all necessary information without the need to capture an image. During my video demonstration, I aimed my camera at a local coffee shop, and it instantly recognized it. Information from Apple Maps appeared alongside additional options such as:
- Call
- Menu
- Order
- Hours
- Yelp Rating
- Images
This is all seamlessly recognized, eliminating the hassle of navigating through menus. Just point your phone, and everything is readily accessible.
5. Problem Solving
This is a feature I wish had been around during my calculus classes in 2012. You can now take a Visual Intelligence picture of any math problem and have ChatGPT provide solutions, complete with step-by-step explanations. I remember the lengthy hours spent on geometry proofs that required showing all work. Now, all it takes is a quick picture, and Siri handles the rest.
Final Thoughts
As mentioned earlier, these features are still in beta, which means they will continue to improve over time. The integration of Visual Intelligence into the native OS eliminates the need for third-party applications to achieve similar tasks. I’ve found myself utilizing Visual Intelligence increasingly in both my personal and professional life, and the most exciting aspect is knowing that this is the least functional it will ever be—it is only going to get better!
Make sure to watch our video linked here for additional use cases and a first-hand look at these new features in action. What are your thoughts on Visual Intelligence? Is this a feature you would consider using? Have you installed the beta on your devices? Let’s chat in the comments below!
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