The Camera app's Siri mode expands on Apple's Visual Intelligence and basically works like a built-in AI-powered Google Lens. Siri mode can help you identify certain animals and plants by just holding your camera in front of them. You can also "take a photo" to get information about what you are seeing and use AI to analyze it and learn more.
Why You'll Love This Tip
- Find the model name of a product you see so you can buy the same one or research specs.
- Identify a breed or species by just pointing your camera at a plant or animal.
- Get more information about something without having to identify it first.
How to Search Visually Using Siri Camera Mode
Requirements:
This tip was performed on an iPhone 17 Pro Max running iOS 27. iOS 27 is currently out as a public beta. Find out how to install the iOS 27 beta.
There are two ways to use Siri mode in the Camera app. You can either hold it up to see if it recognizes what it sees or you can tap what would be the shutter button to capture the image and analyze or research or the image with AI. To try this feature out:
- Open the Camera app.
![Open the Camera app.]()
- Swipe left to switch from the default Photo mode to Siri mode.
![Swipe left to switch from the default Photo mode to Siri mode.]()
- If you hold your camera in front of certain objects or subjects, you'll see a pop-up with information about them. I have only had it recognize animals and the occasional plant. You can tap on the pop-up to learn more about it.
![If you hold your camera in front of certain objects or subjects, you'll see a pop up with information about them. I have only had it recognize animals and the occasional plant. You can tap on the pop up to learn more about it.]()
- The better way to use Siri mode is to tap the Siri button, which is in the same place that the shutter button would be in other Camera app modes.
![The better way to use Siri mode is to tap the Siri button which is in the same place that the shutter button would be in other Camera app modes.]()
- Once you take the photo, Siri will offer some information about the image.
![Once you take the photo, Siri will offer some information about the image.]()
- You can then use the image with a magnifying glass icon to see similar images.
![You can then use the image with a magnifying glass icon to see similar images.]()
- By default, you'll see a set of similar images from a Google search. Sometimes, you can search for it on Google, Amazon, or TikTok.
![You can see select between searching it in either Google, Amazon, or TikTok.]()
- To start a conversation with Siri about the image, tap the text icon in the bottom left corner.
![To start a conversation with Siri about the image, tap the text icon in the bottom left corner.]()
- Here you can type a question or write a prompt. If you prefer to speak to Siri, just tap the microphone icon and use your voice instead. Tap the arrow up icon to submit the prompt.
![Here you can type a question or write a prompt. If you prefer to speak to Siri, just tap the microphone icon and use your voice instead. Tap the arrow up icon to submit the prompt.]()
- You can keep asking followup questions or you can tap the plus icon to take a new image from the Camera app or access something from the Photos or Files apps.
![You can keep asking followup questions or you can tap the plus icon to take a new image from the Camera app or access something from the Photos or Files apps.]()
- If you tap the icon with two arrows in the top right corner or swipe up from the bottom of the chat, you will return to the image you took in the Siri app.
![If you tap the icon with two arrows in the top right corner, you will return to the image you took in the Siri app.]()
- Here you can tap on the X to take a new image or to navigate to a different camera mode.
![Here you can tap on the X to take a new image or to navigate to a different camera mode.]()
If you've taken an image via Siri mode, you'll be able to see it again within the Siri AI app where you can continue the conversation or see what information you looked up if you need a reminder.
Now you know how to use Siri mode in the Camera app! Next, learn how to start typing to Siri directly from your Home Screen.
Learn More: AI Tips
Top image credit: B art / Shutterstock.com
