Apple is expanding the capabilities of Apple Intelligence and bringing the Visual Intelligence feature to the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max with an upcoming iOS update. This feature was originally intended exclusively for the iPhone 16, but now Apple has confirmed that it will soon be available for the iPhone 15 Pro. This will give users an AI-powered extension of the camera that can recognize and analyze objects, text, and locations. An exact release date has not yet been set, but it is believed that Visual Intelligence will be introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 18.4. Apple has also confirmed that the feature can be activated via the action button, similar to the iPhone 16e.
Visual Intelligence is part of Apple Intelligence and uses artificial intelligence to provide information about the environment in real time. The function is intended to support users by learning more about objects, text or places using the camera and further processing this information. The core functions include:
- Recognize objects and places: The camera can provide information about buildings, landmarks or products.
- Capture and translate texts: Photographed texts can be recognized and translated into different languages.
- Summaries and reading aloud: Content can be summarized or read aloud using AI.
- Smart Search Results: The feature can extend search queries with Google or ChatGPT.
These possibilities make Visual Intelligence particularly useful for traveling, everyday life or learning.
When will Visual Intelligence come to the iPhone 15 Pro?
Apple has officially confirmedthat Visual Intelligence will be added to the iPhone 15 Pro with a future iOS update. This will probably happen with iOS 18.4. The first beta version of the update is expected in the next few days. Until now, Visual Intelligence was only intended for the iPhone 16. Many assumed that the iPhone 15 Pro was not compatible due to the lack of camera control. However, the iPhone 16e has similar hardware to the iPhone 15 Pro, but still supports Visual Intelligence. This has apparently led to Apple releasing the feature for the older model as well.
How is Visual Intelligence activated?
On the iPhone 16, Visual Intelligence is launched by pressing and holding the camera controls. For iPhone 16e users, the action button or a toggle switch in the control center is also available. For the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple will enable the action button as a trigger for Visual Intelligence. It is likely that an option will also be added in the control center.
What other new features does iOS 18.4 bring?
In addition to Visual Intelligence, iOS 18.4 will bring other changes. Apple plans to expand support for Apple Intelligence to additional languages, including German! Another expected feature is an improved Siri with Onscreen Awareness, which may, however, be postponed due to technical challenges and added later with iOS 18.5.
Visual Intelligence adds AI features to the iPhone 15 Pro camera
With Visual Intelligence, the iPhone 15 Pro gets one of the most exciting new features from Apple Intelligence. Users will soon be able to use their camera not only for photos but also to analyze objects, text or places in their surroundings. It remains to be seen when exactly the feature will be rolled out, but the first indications suggest that it will come with iOS 18.4. Anyone who owns an iPhone 15 Pro should therefore keep an eye out for the next update so that they can use Visual Intelligence soon. (Image: Apple)