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Apple’s visual intelligence in iOS 18.2 is impressive, but it’s only available on iPhone 16 (and above) models. If you have an older iPhone, don’t worry – there are great alternatives that offer similar features without requiring the latest hardware.
1
Google Lens
For those familiar with Google Lens, it’s no surprise that it tops this list of the best alternatives to Apple’s Visual Intelligence. Google Lens helps you identify objects with your camera. Whether you’re curious about the name of a gorgeous flower you saw or need to translate a menu while traveling, Google Lens makes it super easy.
Its shopping assistant functions have also improved. Google has added new AI-powered capabilities to Lens in November 2024, making it the perfect shopping companion. You can use Lens to find deals online by searching for similar items with a single photo.
If you already have Google Photos on your iPhone, you’re halfway there. We’ve covered it before how to use Google Lens features in Google Photos for tasks such as visual identification and translation. For real-time searches, download the Google app and tap the button Lens icon to analyze what is in front of you instantly.
2
ChatGPT
For those who like to dive deeper into information and get detailed answers, ChatGPT is an excellent companion for visual research activities. While it doesn’t have the same real-time image recognition features as Google Lens or Apple’s Visual Intelligence, it shines when it comes to providing contextual understanding and tracking information.
You can take a photo of a product and ask ChatGPT for a deeper explanation about its features, benefits, or alternatives. Unlike standard visual search tools, ChatGPT allows you to interact with the content you capture.
Once you get an answer, you can ask follow-up questions to get even more detail or context. In addition, it works on many iPhones, so you don’t need the latest model to enjoy its features.
3
Claude
Claude, developed by Anthropic, is another powerful AI tool that can act as an alternative to Apple’s Visual Intelligence, especially when it comes to understanding and interpreting images. While Claude is not specifically designed for visual search, its ability to process text and provide in-depth answers can still add value to the images you capture with your iPhone.
With Claude, you can upload a photo or describe what you’ve captured, and the AI will give you a thoughtful, context-driven response. It is particularly useful when you need a deeper understanding of things you encounter in everyday life, such as a piece of art, a complex product, or even a piece of text.
Rather than just giving a one-time answer, Claude can engage in a back-and-forth dialogue to clarify questions, offer additional information, or explore related topics. This makes it a great option if you want a more in-depth interactive experience.
While Apple’s Visual Intelligence is a powerful feature for the latest iPhone models, there are some great alternatives available for those using older devices. From the tried-and-true Google Lens, which offers a complete visual search experience, to interactive options like ChatGPT and Claude, you can still take advantage of your iPhone’s camera capabilities even without the latest hardware.
