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Visual Intelligence in iOS 27 works in two ways: point your iPhone camera at something in the real world, or take a screenshot to explore content already on your screen. The available actions depend on what the feature recognizes.
Check whether your iPhone can use Visual Intelligence
Visual Intelligence requires Apple Intelligence. Apple lists the supported devices as iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models or later. Availability also depends on language and region, and usage limits may apply. Confirm that Apple Intelligence is enabled and supported for your iPhone, language, and region before troubleshooting the controls. See Apple’s iOS 27 Apple Intelligence guide for current availability details.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $552.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $409.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $388.34 | Buy on Amazon |
Siri AI is a separate beta experience, not a requirement for ordinary Visual Intelligence. Apple says it starts in English and is not initially available in the EU on iOS; usage limits may apply.
Choose what you want to analyze
| Input | How to start | Typical actions |
|---|---|---|
| A physical object, sign, flyer, or other subject in front of you | Open Visual Intelligence using a supported control, then aim the camera | Look up a business, identify a plant or animal, use text tools, search for similar images, or ask ChatGPT about an object if its extension is enabled |
| Content already displayed on your iPhone | Quickly press and release the side button and volume-up button together to take a screenshot | Search for similar images, select an object to search, ask a question, use text tools, open a related website, or create a Calendar event |
These are two ways to give Visual Intelligence context, not competing modes. The controls and results vary with the iPhone and the content.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Use the camera to learn about something around you
1. Open Visual Intelligence
On a supported model, click and hold Camera Control. Depending on your iPhone and setup, you can instead assign Visual Intelligence to the Action button, add its control to the Lock Screen, or open it from Control Center. Apple’s Visual Intelligence instructions describe these options.
2. Point the camera at your subject
Frame the object, text, or place you want to explore, then choose one of the actions shown. There is no single fixed menu: Visual Intelligence offers actions based on what it detects and the context.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
- Businesses: Results may include hours, services, contact details, reviews and ratings, reservations, or delivery ordering, depending on the business.
- Plants and animals: Look for an identification or information option when one is offered.
- Text: Available tools can include summarizing, translating, and reading text aloud. Recognized phone numbers, email addresses, dates, and websites can offer related actions.
- Images: Search for visually similar images when that option appears.
- Objects and questions: If the ChatGPT extension is enabled, you can ask ChatGPT about an object.
3. Turn a flyer into a Calendar event
If a poster or flyer shows a future-dated event and Visual Intelligence recognizes it, choose Add to Calendar, then Create Event. Review and edit the event details before saving.
Use Visual Intelligence on what’s already on your screen
1. Take a screenshot with the Visual Intelligence shortcut
Quickly press and release the side button and volume-up button together. The screenshot opens with Visual Intelligence tools at the bottom. Apple documents this onscreen workflow in its guides to learning about what’s on your iPhone screen and learning about what’s around you.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
2. Pick a tool that matches the content
What appears depends on the screenshot. Options may include searching for similar images, swiping over an object to search for it, asking a question, adding an event to Calendar, opening a related website, summarizing text, reading it aloud, or learning about an identified plant or animal. Select the option that appears for the item you want to investigate.
When you are finished, close the screenshot or save it. If Siri AI beta is enabled, Apple also documents asking Siri about onscreen material and adjusting a selection rectangle to choose part of a screenshot; that optional beta behavior is separate from the standard workflow.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Check answers and understand what can vary
- Actions and results depend on the subject, screenshot, and context; an option described by Apple may not appear for every item.
- Apple says generative-model outputs may vary. Verify important information rather than relying on an answer without checking it.
- Visual image search is subject to the search provider’s terms of use and privacy policies.
- Some apps can make their content available in Visual Intelligence results through Apple’s Visual Intelligence framework and App Intents, so results may differ across apps.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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