What is Visual Intelligence? Everything you need to know ahead of iOS 27

At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple unveiled plenty of software upgrades that are set to launch across its devices later this year.

One of those upgrades centers around Visual Intelligence, the Apple Intelligence-powered tool that allows users to “quickly learn more” about what’s in front of them. But what is Visual Intelligence and how does it work? Plus, what are the updates that we can expect once iOS, iPadOS, MacOS and VisionOS 27 rolls out in the coming months?

We explain everything you need to know about Apple’s Visual Intelligence below. For more WWDC26 information, visit our round-up of the iOS 27 features and our Image Playground guide too.

What is Apple Visual Intelligence? 

Visual Intelligence is an Apple Intelligence tool that can be found on compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs and the Vision Pro – though we’ll explain the specific models later.

Visual Intelligence uses AI to scan an image (whether it’s one on screen or captured via the camera) and pulls up relevant information according to what it is. For example, you could take a photo of a dog to find out its breed, or hold your camera up to a gig poster to add the event to your calendar.

It’s essentially Apple’s answer to Google Lens and Circle to Search.

While Visual Intelligence is available on compatible iPhones at the time of writing, Apple is planning on expanding its compatibility across its ecosystem with the rollout of OS 27. Once OS 27 launches, Visual Intelligence will then be integrated into the Camera app. Simply tap the shutter button to enable the new Siri AI to see what you see and receive a response. 

In addition, Siri AI will suggest relevant actions based on what’s in front of you. For example, if you point your camera at a plate of food, Siri can provide you with nutritional information. Or you can point your camera at a bill and split the costs with a group of friends.

Visual Intelligence isn’t just on iPhones either. Mac users can bring up Visual Intelligence with a dedicated keyboard shortcut which will then allow you to select something on display and ask Siri questions about it. Siri can also recognise what’s been selected and provide relevant actions too.

iPad users won’t miss out on the fun, as Visual Intelligence is also integrated into the screenshot experience. That means you can simply take a screenshot of something and Visual Intelligence will provide you with relevant responses.

Finally, Visual Intelligence is also coming to VisionOS. When the update rolls out, Vision Pro users will be able to ask about things, simply by looking at them.

Regardless of what you use Visual Intelligence for, all images captured will be saved privately in the Siri app.

Which devices support Visual Intelligence?

At the time of writing, Visual Intelligence is currently reserved for iPhones that support Apple Intelligence, which are the complete iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 series, plus the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

However, Visual Intelligence is rolling out to more devices, including the Apple Vision Pro and M-series of Macs and iPads.

Is Apple Visual Intelligence available in the UK?

Yes, Visual Intelligence is available in the UK.