Apple’s Visual Intelligence

Apple’s visual intelligence isn’t a separate app, but it deserves a spot on this list because it’s built directly into supported iPhones. Depending on your model and iOS version, you can use this feature to point your camera at objects, plants, animals, businesses, posters, text, and more to get quick information.

Visual intelligence is especially handy with text and real-world details. For example, you may be able to scan a poster and create a Calendar event, call a phone number, visit a website, or search for more information about something in front of you. It’s incredibly easy, and when it works, it almost feels like magic.

Unfortunately, visual intelligence is only supported on iPhones that support Apple Intelligence — the iPhone 15 Pro and later models. But for older iPhones, Apple also has Visual Look Up, which works inside Photos, Safari, Quick Look, and other places. It can help identify landmarks, statues, art, plants, pets, books, food, and other subjects from images you already have. 

The best part is that there’s nothing extra to install. If your iPhone supports these features, you can use Apple’s own tools without downloading another app or creating another account. For people who prefer keeping things simple, this is a big advantage.