This one iOS 26 function makes me envious each time I take advantage of my Pixel

After a very long time, I have been genuinely content material with my Pixel expertise. The Pixel 10 has held up well over the previous month, with each {hardware} and software program performing easily.

Against this, iOS 26’s Liquid Glass UI is not one thing for me. Furthermore, Apple hasn’t added any AI options to the combo that might make me wish to purchase the brand new iPhone 17 or use an iOS 26-compatible iPhone each day.

Alternatively, as anticipated, Google has packed much more AI and software program options into the Pixel 10 Professional, making it troublesome for me to change to another gadget after utilizing it. There are many options, such because the Magic Editor, Circle to Search, and Now Enjoying, which have change into a part of my each day routine.

That stated, after utilizing iOS 26 on my iPhone 16 Professional for over two weeks, I’ve come throughout one function that I want my Pixel 10 had: direct ChatGPT integration with the screenshot instrument. It could not sound groundbreaking, however it’s one thing I would like to see Google add to the Pixel expertise. This is why.

You may ask questions or visually seek for something instantly

Apple has redesigned a number of elements of iOS with the iOS 26 update, together with the screenshot instrument, which it now calls Display Seize. Beforehand, the instrument solely allowed customers to crop, edit, annotate, and share screenshots, however with iOS 26, Apple has launched a brand new and helpful function in collaboration with ChatGPT.

Now, by default, whenever you take a screenshot in iOS 26, you enter a full-screen preview that features the acquainted markup instruments, cropping choices, and scaling controls. Nonetheless, there are actually two new additions on the backside of the display screen: Ask and Search buttons.

Tapping the Search button performs a visible reverse picture search, letting you shortly get extra context in regards to the picture or its topic. It connects on to Google or apps like Pinterest, and you may even spotlight a particular space of the screenshot to go looking solely inside that part.

My favourite addition, nonetheless, is the Ask button. Whenever you faucet it, ChatGPT immediately analyzes the screenshot and offers info associated to it. You may then proceed asking follow-up questions proper inside the screenshot interface. This makes it simple to discover, confirm, or perceive the content material of the screenshot with out switching apps.

This function has turned out to be surprisingly helpful in day-to-day conditions. For instance, if I want to substantiate the accuracy of one thing earlier than sending it to somebody, I can merely take a screenshot and ask ChatGPT to confirm it. It could possibly test info, clarify ideas, analyze conversations, and even test my grammar earlier than I ship a message.

This has been tremendous useful for me when replying to emails and messages day-after-day. When I haven’t got entry to instruments like Grammarly on the go, particularly for official or delicate conversations, this ChatGPT integration seems like a lifesaver.

Past these two new instruments, iOS 26 additionally makes use of on-device AI to extract necessary info from screenshots. So, for instance, if there is a date, cellphone quantity, or URL in a picture, the instrument can detect and convert it right into a clickable ingredient, permitting you to name, create calendar occasions, go to hyperlinks, and extra immediately from the screenshot preview.

Pixel’s Circle to Search feels related, however nonetheless behind

It is helpful, however not as seamless or good but

On the Android facet, Google has already launched a considerably related function referred to as Circle to Search. The function was beforehand restricted to flagship telephones, however has since expanded to even funds and mid-range telephones.

As an alternative of taking a screenshot, the Circle to Search tool works by long-pressing the navigation bar on the backside and highlighting a particular a part of the display screen to go looking.

Similar to Apple’s new Display Seize instrument, Circle to Search helps you to carry out fast actions corresponding to creating calendar occasions, translating textual content, and even figuring out songs enjoying close by. Nonetheless, what’s lacking right here is deeper Gemini integration.

You may nonetheless search Google about what’s in your display screen and even ask questions on a picture, however that occurs not directly by the AI-powered abstract in Google Search. Gemini helps within the background, however there isn’t any direct interface for it in Circle to Search, which makes the expertise really feel incomplete.

Certain, you should utilize Circle to Seek for fast lookups, however you may’t do extra interactive duties like asking for alternate phrasing of a textual content, checking grammar in messages, performing calculations from a screenshot, or getting context-specific assist — issues that Gemini might simply deal with.

Hopefully, it is solely a matter of time earlier than Gemini finds its method into Circle to Search, permitting customers to immediately begin a chat or get a short lived chat overlay associated to what’s on their display screen. However, till then, Apple’s ChatGPT integration in screenshots feels extra helpful and simply takes my award.

Model

Apple

SoC

A19

Show

6.3-inch 2622 x 1206 pixel decision Tremendous Retina XDR

Storage

256GB, 512GB

Ports

USB-C

Working System

iOS 26

The iPhone 17 is a significant improve over the iPhone 16, bringing 120Hz refresh price, anti-reflective show, a 48MP ultra-wide digital camera and an even bigger, quicker charging battery. It is one of the best base mannequin iPhone in years.