Apple is set to introduce Visual Intelligence—a feature that’s reminiscent of Google Lens—to the iPhone 15 Pro in a forthcoming software update.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, Visual Intelligence is designed to let you point your iPhone’s camera at objects, landmarks, text, and more to instantly gather contextual information. Imagine pointing your camera at a street sign, a piece of art, or even a mysterious gadget in a store, and having your phone break down what you’re looking at in real time. It’s an ambitious step toward making our devices not only smarter but also more interactive with the world around us.

Originally debuted with the iPhone 16 lineup in September, Visual Intelligence was highlighted as a feature you could activate via the Camera Control button. However, things took an interesting turn when Apple recently announced that the same functionality would be integrated into the iPhone 16e through its Action Button—a feature that allows quick access to various functions without fumbling through menus.

Here’s where it gets exciting for owners of the iPhone 15 Pro. This model also boasts an Action Button, and now, according to Apple representatives speaking with John Gruber of Daring Fireball, Visual Intelligence will be coming to the iPhone 15 Pro via this button. Additionally, users will have the convenience of launching Visual Intelligence from the Control Center, ensuring that the feature is accessible wherever you are.

The versatility of the Action Button, which was initially showcased on the iPhone 16e, now underscores Apple’s broader strategy of making advanced features more universally accessible across its lineup—even on slightly older models. This not only enhances the overall user experience but also reaffirms Apple’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to as many customers as possible.

What to expect and when

While Apple hasn’t officially disclosed the exact timing of this update, speculation is rife in the tech community. John Gruber hints that Visual Intelligence might make its way to the iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 18.4—a software update that could see a developer beta launch very soon, with a public rollout expected in early April.

For many, this news is a welcome addition as Apple continues to blur the lines between hardware and software innovation. With Visual Intelligence, everyday tasks such as identifying objects, translating text on the fly, or even getting more detailed information about your surroundings become not just possible but effortless.

This update is more than just a new feature—it’s a window into the future of augmented reality and machine learning on mobile devices. By empowering users to interact with their environment in a more intuitive way, Visual Intelligence is set to redefine how we use our smartphones for discovery and learning. Whether you’re a tech aficionado keen on the latest advancements or simply someone who appreciates a device that can keep up with the pace of everyday life, this update promises to be a game changer.