New Visual Look Up Feature in Photos App

Apple released iOS 15, the latest operating system upgrade for iPhone and iPad, in September 2021. It includes an array of helpful features including Visual Look Up which I find especially interesting.

The Visual Look Up feature adds insight to your images as it recognizes flowers and plants, cat and dog breeds, books, landmarks as well as artwork. I experimented with this feature by browsing my photos from a few years ago and found this image I took while visiting The National Gallery in London…and sure enough, the famous painting and artist were identified! I was even able to learn more about the painting by tapping the Siri Knowledge results.

Here’s how to use Visual Look Up:

1. Open the PHOTOS app, then tap a photo. If the Info (i) icon appears with stars on it, Visual Look Up is available for that image.

2. Tap the Info (i) icon.

3. Tap either “Look Up” or the icon on the photo. The icon and Look Up subject will differ depending on the contents of the photo. For example, a paw print appears for an image of a dog and a leaf for an image of a plant. See additional examples below.