Google Lens Currently Rolling Out to iOS via Google Photos App - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Google Lens Currently Rolling Out to iOS via Google Photos App

by

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

113 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
113 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)
113 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
113 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
113 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)
Madmic23 Avatar
113 months ago
Fair enough, I admit, I was mistaken, when you mentioned you referenced the google TOS but used Apple's.
I always chuckle a little when people think Google’s terms of service allow them to use your photos for whatever they feel like. They don’t do that. Your photos and your documents are yours and yours alone.

Google makes this statement to clarify things:

How do the Terms of Service affect me?
“As our Terms of Service ('https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms/') state, "You retain ownership of any intellectual property rights that you hold in that content. In short, what belongs to you stays yours."

“We do not claim ownership in any of your content, including any text, data, information, and files that you upload, share, or store in your Drive account. What our Terms of Service do is enable us to give you the services you want — so if you decide to share a document with someone, or want to open it on a different device, we can provide that functionality.”


Sounds pretty reasonable, right?

Now read this one from Apple about what they’re allowed to do with your iCloud Drive files:

Removal of Content
“You acknowledge that Apple is not responsible or liable in any way for any Content provided by others and has no duty to pre-screen such Content. However, Apple reserves the right at all times to determine whether Content is appropriate and in compliance with this Agreement, and may pre-screen, move, refuse, modify and/or remove Content at any time, without prior notice and in its sole discretion, if such Content is found to be in violation of this Agreement or is otherwise objectionable.”

So even though Apple loves talking about privacy, they have the right to examine your files and delete anything they don’t like without telling you.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

google synthid

Google's SynthID AI Detector is Now Available to Everyone

Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:42 pm PDT by
Google today said it is making its SynthID Detector available to everyone for identifying content created using AI. SynthID Detector first rolled out to members of the media last year, and it is now available worldwide in English. SynthID Detector is a website that lets users upload a photo, video, or audio file to determine whether it has a SynthID watermark that identifies it as...
General App Store South Korea Feature Feature

South Korea Rules Against Apple Over App Store Payment Rules

Wednesday October 28, 2026 9:00 am PDT by
South Korea has fined Apple 20.8 billion won ($15.5 million) and ordered it to let developers link to external payment options from their apps, The Associated Press reports. The Korea Media and Communications Commission found that Apple and Google effectively require developers to use their payment systems, violating a 2021 law intended to allow alternatives. Google was fined 42.9 billion...
Apple MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display family lineup feature

Apple Announces OLED MacBook Pro With Touch Display

Wednesday October 28, 2026 10:11 am PDT by
Apple today announced a new high-end MacBook Pro, which is available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes. The new device has a PROLED XDR display that supports touch gestures, and a glowing rear Apple logo. Pricing on the MacBook Pro starts at $2,899 for the 14-inch model and $3,399 for the 16-inch model. Apple says the MacBook Pro has the "world's best display in a pro laptop." The PROLED...
Latest Stories
'Pluribus' Season 2 Reportedly Starts Production Today
'Pluribus' Season 2 Reportedly Starts Production Today
39 minutes ago
iPhone 18 Pro Sales Surge in China, Offsetting Decline in U.S. and Japan
iPhone 18 Pro Sales Surge in China, Offsetting Decline in U.S. and Japan
1 hour ago
HomeView Software 27.2: Wallpapers, Control Center, and More
HomeView Software 27.2: Wallpapers, Control Center, and More
8 hours ago
Apple Alerts Stores to iPhone Duo's Display Cracking Issue
Apple Alerts Stores to iPhone Duo's Display Cracking Issue
9 hours ago
iOS 27.3 Will Enable These Apple Intelligence Features in China
iOS 27.3 Will Enable These Apple Intelligence Features in China
10 hours ago
Apple Says iOS 27.3 Beta Coming Next Week
Apple Says iOS 27.3 Beta Coming Next Week
10 hours ago
Apple's Flash Storage Suppliers Are Finally 'Getting Their Revenge'
Apple's Flash Storage Suppliers Are Finally 'Getting Their Revenge'
11 hours ago
14 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 27.2
14 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 27.2
12 hours ago
iPhone Duo Review: One Week Later
iPhone Duo Review: One Week Later
13 hours ago
Samsung Mocks iPhone Duo Display Cracks in New Ad Campaign
Samsung Mocks iPhone Duo Display Cracks in New Ad Campaign
14 hours ago
The MacRumors Show: OLED MacBook Pro, iPad Mini 8, and More
The MacRumors Show: OLED MacBook Pro, iPad Mini 8, and More
15 hours ago
MacBook Pro With Touch Display: 15 More Details Revealed
MacBook Pro With Touch Display: 15 More Details Revealed
15 hours ago
Russia Places Apple on State Surveillance Registry
Russia Places Apple on State Surveillance Registry
16 hours ago
Halloween Weekend Brings Discounts on Apple Accessories and Pre-Orders
Halloween Weekend Brings Discounts on Apple Accessories and Pre-Orders
17 hours ago
Apple Has Released More Than 25 New Products in the Past Two Months
Apple Has Released More Than 25 New Products in the Past Two Months
17 hours ago
Local Code Launches as Free, Private AI Assistant Tool for Mac
Local Code Launches as Free, Private AI Assistant Tool for Mac
18 hours ago
Apple Acquires Ascend.io
Apple Acquires Ascend.io
18 hours ago
HomePod Mini 2 Launches Today: All the New Features
HomePod Mini 2 Launches Today: All the New Features
19 hours ago
AirTag 2 4-Pack Drops to New Low Price of $69.99
AirTag 2 4-Pack Drops to New Low Price of $69.99
19 hours ago
Rian Johnson's iPhone Camera App Goes Viral
Rian Johnson's iPhone Camera App Goes Viral
19 hours ago
Where Did All the iPhone Duos Go? Mostly to Apple's Stores
Where Did All the iPhone Duos Go? Mostly to Apple's Stores
21 hours ago
Apple's Touchscreen MacBook Pro Could Ship 1.5M Units in 2027
Apple's Touchscreen MacBook Pro Could Ship 1.5M Units in 2027
22 hours ago
New Apple TV 4K and iPad Mini: RAM Amounts Revealed
New Apple TV 4K and iPad Mini: RAM Amounts Revealed
1 day ago
Apple Executive Comments on New iPad Mini Lacking 120Hz Display
Apple Executive Comments on New iPad Mini Lacking 120Hz Display
1 day ago
Here's a Hands-On Look at HomePod Mini 2's New Two-Tone Colors
Here's a Hands-On Look at HomePod Mini 2's New Two-Tone Colors
1 day ago
Apple Lowers App Store Fees in Taiwan Starting October 31
Apple Lowers App Store Fees in Taiwan Starting October 31
2 days ago
HomeView Pre-Order Returns to $289.99 on Amazon
HomeView Pre-Order Returns to $289.99 on Amazon
2 days ago
Apple Avoids Showing Pinched Fingers on iPad Mini Page in South Korea
Apple Avoids Showing Pinched Fingers on iPad Mini Page in South Korea
2 days ago
Old 'Popcorn Time' App Left Hundreds of Thousands of Macs at Risk
Old 'Popcorn Time' App Left Hundreds of Thousands of Macs at Risk
2 days ago
You Can Turn Off the New MacBook Pro's Touchscreen Functionality
You Can Turn Off the New MacBook Pro's Touchscreen Functionality
2 days ago

🔗 Related Apple News & Rumors

Stay updated with the latest Apple ecosystem news and verified rumors