Google is introducing a new update on Wednesday, enabling users to perform a search of their screen’s content with a simple gesture while using the Google Chrome or Google Search app on iOS devices. This feature bears a resemblance to the “Circle to Search” feature native to Android, which also enables users to search screen content using various gestures.

Upon launch, iPhone users will have the capability to search their screen’s content by drawing, highlighting, or tapping on an item, leveraging the functionality of Google Lens.

For example, if a user encounters an intriguing art piece while reading an article, they can utilize Lens to quickly circle or tap on the image to gain more information about it. Similarly, if a user is watching a video and spots an item of interest, they can use Lens to find similar items by circling it.

The underlying concept behind this feature is to facilitate users in performing a visual search while browsing, eliminating the need to capture a screenshot or open a new tab. Additionally, it provides users with an alternative method to initiate a traditional web search, an area that may be impacted by the long-term adoption of AI technology.

After highlighting or tapping on an item on their mobile device’s screen, users will be presented with visual matches and related results. They can then select the “Add to your search” option to refine their search by color, brand, or other details. Furthermore, users can pose a follow-up question to gather more information about a topic.

To access the new feature within the Chrome or Google app, users need to open the three-dot menu and select “Search Screen with Google Lens.” In the forthcoming months, the feature will be accessible via a new Lens icon in the address bar, according to Google.

The update will continue to roll out throughout the week and will be available globally for iOS devices.

In addition, Google has announced the expansion of AI Overviews, which provide a snapshot of information at the top of the results page, to a broader range of Google Lens search results.

In the past, Google displayed AI Overviews in Lens searches that included both images and text. With this latest update, users will begin to see AI Overviews without the need to add additional text or questions to their searches.

For instance, if a user encounters an interesting-looking car, they can take a picture of it and then receive an AI Overview to help them quickly learn more about what they are looking at, along with links to helpful resources on the web.

This update will roll out throughout the week for English-language users in countries where AI Overviews are available, starting with the Google app for Android and iOS devices.

The update is expected to soon roll out to Chrome on desktop and mobile devices, according to the company.