Siri is coming to iPhone camera to rival Google Lens
What's the story
Apple is working on a dedicated "Siri Mode" for its Camera app in the upcoming iOS 27 update, Bloomberg reported. The new feature will be available alongside existing modes like Photo, Video, Portrait, and Panorama. When activated, the shutter button in the Camera app will display an Apple Intelligence logo to indicate that Siri capabilities are active.
Feature upgrade
Siri Mode will enhance Visual Intelligence
The upcoming Siri Mode will also enhance the existing Visual Intelligence feature of the Camera app. Currently, users have to long-press the Camera Control button to access this feature, which may not be known by all. With iOS 27, Visual Intelligence will be more accessible as it gets integrated into the main camera interface under this new mode.
Feature expansion
New capabilities in Visual Intelligence
Along with the integration into Siri Mode, Visual Intelligence is also getting some new capabilities. These include scanning nutrition labels on food items to log dietary information and adding contact details directly to the Contacts app. The feature will also be able to capture information from physical event tickets and membership cards for digital versions in Wallet app.
Feature retention
Existing features will still be available
The existing capabilities of Visual Intelligence, such as identifying objects like plants and animals, adding events to the Calendar app, and sending visual information to ChatGPT and Google image search, will still be available. Users can access the updated Visual Intelligence through the Camera Control button but it will open up on the Siri interface in the Camera app instead of a standalone experience.
Launch details
iOS 27 to be unveiled at WWDC
Apple will officially unveil iOS 27 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) starting June 8, 2026. The update is expected to bring a major AI overhaul, including a chatbot-like interface for Siri with its own dedicated app. A new Photos app with AI tools to "expand" or "reframe" images after they've been taken is also on the cards.