TL;DR
iOS 26 can detect plain text URLs in screenshots and present a tappable link in the screenshot UI. The feature requires an AI-capable iPhone (examples given: iPhone 17, iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro) and appears in the fullscreen screenshot view unless you use the older thumbnail flow.
What happened
Apple’s iOS 26 adds visual-intelligence detection to screenshots so the system can identify plain text URLs and surface them as tappable links. When a screenshot includes a URL, iOS 26 analyzes the image and places a hyperlinked version of the address at the bottom of the screenshot’s fullscreen interface; tapping that link opens the page. The behavior is enabled on AI-compatible iPhones called out in reporting, including models such as the iPhone 17, iPhone 16, and iPhone 15 Pro. By default, screenshots open directly into the fullscreen UI where the link is visible. If a user has reverted to the older iOS 18-style thumbnail-only screenshot flow, they must first tap the small thumbnail at the bottom-left to reveal the fullscreen view and the tappable link. The capability is framed as a convenient workaround for unclickable URLs commonly encountered in places like Instagram captions.
Why it matters
- Makes it easier to open URLs that are presented as plain text in images or captions without manual copying.
- Addresses a common friction point on platforms that don’t allow clickable links in captions or replies.
- Reduces steps for users who otherwise would have to transcribe or retype long web addresses.
- Relies on device-level visual intelligence, so availability depends on owning a supported, AI-capable iPhone.
Key facts
- iOS 26 uses visual intelligence to detect plain text URLs inside screenshots.
- When a URL is detected, the screenshot fullscreen UI shows a tappable link at the bottom.
- The feature was described in reporting by Ryan Christoffel at 9to5Mac (Jan 9, 2026).
- Apple’s compatibility guidance in the report lists AI-capable iPhones such as iPhone 17, iPhone 16, and iPhone 15 Pro.
- By default, screenshots in iOS 26 open directly to a fullscreen view where the link is visible.
- If a user has reverted to the iOS 18 behavior (thumbnail-only screenshots), they must tap the thumbnail to access the fullscreen view and link.
- The report cites Instagram as a common place the author still encounters plain text URLs in captions.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple expands this visual-detection link feature to additional, non-AI-branded iPhone models — not confirmed in the source.
- Future accuracy and handling of more complex or obfuscated URLs in screenshots as iOS 26 updates roll out — not confirmed in the source.
- Any privacy or permission controls Apple might add around on-device visual intelligence and screenshot analysis — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Visual intelligence: On-device image analysis that recognizes text, objects, or patterns in photos and screenshots.
- Screenshot UI: The interface shown immediately after taking a screenshot, which in iOS can be a fullscreen editor or a small thumbnail.
- AI-compatible iPhone: iPhone models equipped with hardware and software capabilities Apple designates to run certain on-device AI features.
- Plain text URL: A web address presented as regular text rather than as a clickable link or hyperlink.
- Thumbnail screenshot flow: The iOS behavior where a small screenshot thumbnail appears in the corner and must be tapped to access the fullscreen screenshot editor.
Reader FAQ
Which iPhones support this screenshot URL detection?
The report lists AI-compatible models such as iPhone 17, iPhone 16, and iPhone 15 Pro.
How do I use the feature?
Take a screenshot that includes a plain text URL; in iOS 26’s fullscreen screenshot view a tappable link should appear at the bottom. If you see only a thumbnail, tap it to open the fullscreen view first.
Does the link open automatically or require tapping?
The system provides a tappable link that you open by tapping it.
Is this behavior available on older iPhones or on non-AI devices?
not confirmed in the source
Rumor Replay: iPhone Fold’s crease-free display, and more Ryan Christoffel Jan 8 2026 IOS 26 iOS 26 gave screenshots a hidden power I’ve started using a lot Ryan Christoffel | Jan…
Sources
- iOS 26 gave screenshots a hidden power I’ve started using a lot
- iOS 26 Won't Kill Your UTMs – Here's Proof
- Apple switched up screenshots in iOS 26 and it's driving …
- Secret iPhone tricks fix the two most annoying changes …
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