Apple has introduced the Visual Intelligence feature, akin to Google Lens, in the latest iOS 18.4 developer beta for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, as reported by 9to5Mac. The feature had been confirmed previously for these devices but without a specified software update timeline.
Apple introduces Visual Intelligence for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
The rollout of iOS 18.4, which is expected in April, will broadly deliver this capability. Initially launched for the iPhone 16 lineup in September and accessed via a Camera Control button, users of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will now utilize Visual Intelligence through the Action Button or Control Center, similar to the iPhone 16e, which lacks a Camera Control button.
According to 9to5Mac, the iOS 18.4 developer beta 2 update also enhances the Action Button and Control Center options for Visual Intelligence across the entire iPhone 16 lineup. This update enables iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users to access the first Google and ChatGPT-connected visual search feature outside of the iPhone 16 series.
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Prior to this, Visual Intelligence was only accessible through a long-press of the Camera Control on the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16e’s introduction prompted Apple to extend Visual Intelligence to the Action Button and Control Center for convenience.
Starting with iOS 18.4 beta 2, Visual Intelligence becomes functional for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users for the first time. While these models were the first to incorporate Apple Intelligence support in beta, they previously lacked this specific AI feature.
Apple confirmed the addition of Visual Intelligence for the iPhone 15 Pro, although no specific software update was cited initially. Notably, iOS 18.4 beta 1 did not include support for the iPhone 15 Pro. 9to5Mac first reported on Apple developing options for invoking Visual Intelligence without the Camera Control button.
In addition to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16e, the iOS 18.4 beta 2 allows iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max to utilize Visual Intelligence through assigned Action button tasks or Control Center tiles. There has been no announcement regarding support for iPad models, despite their compatibility with Apple Intelligence on newer devices.
Featured image credit: Apple
