Originally introduced on the Galaxy S24 Ultra earlier this year, Circle to Search allows users to circle elements on their screen—such as objects in videos, images in social media posts, or text in apps—to initiate a search without leaving the current interface. This AI-powered tool has transformed how smartphone users access information, providing quick results from Google's vast knowledge base.
The latest update, now rolling out to compatible Android phones, shifts the handling of subsequent questions to AI Mode. This system, which resembles conversational AI platforms like ChatGPT, generates synthesized responses with embedded links to reliable sources. Previously, follow-up inquiries in Circle to Search relied on traditional image search methods, limiting the depth of exploration. Now, all text-based extensions of the initial query are processed via AI Mode, fostering a more fluid dialogue about the selected item.
Reports from Android Authority indicate the change is tied to version 16.47.49 of the Google app. A demonstration video shows users circling an image, receiving initial results, and then posing natural-language questions in a persistent bottom search bar. Responses appear as concise AI summaries, complete with citations, allowing seamless refinement of searches—for instance, asking about a landmark's history after circling it in a photo.
Google first previewed this evolution in July during developer sessions, but the deployment began in late November 2025. The gradual rollout means not all devices have it yet; for example, the Google app on the Galaxy S25 Ultra may still display the legacy search box. Availability depends on server-side activation, so users should ensure their Google app is updated to the latest version.
This upgrade aligns with Google's broader push to embed AI Mode across its ecosystem, as highlighted at the Google I/O 2025 keynote. The goal is to streamline web interactions, accelerate information retrieval, and support practical applications like visual troubleshooting, educational queries, or travel planning. By defaulting to AI Mode for image-related follow-ups, the feature now handles everything from basic identification to complex contextual analysis on-device or via cloud processing.
Complementing this, Google earlier introduced a translation extension for Circle to Search, simplifying on-the-fly language conversion for elements like restaurant menus or signage. Together, these additions make the tool indispensable for multilingual and multimedia content exploration.
As Android users encounter the update, it promises to elevate everyday searches into engaging, context-aware exchanges. With AI Mode's growing presence in standard Google queries, this integration underscores the company's commitment to making advanced intelligence accessible and intuitive across mobile experiences. The enhancement arrives at an opportune time, coinciding with holiday travel and shopping seasons, where quick, precise visual lookups can enhance user efficiency and enjoyment.
