macOS Monterey's Live Text allows users to interact with text in any image

Apple's new Live Text feature will allow macOS Monterey users to interact with written information in images and photos in a variety of ways.

The Live Text feature was first announced as part of the iOS 15 update during Monday's WWDC 2021 keynote. However, Apple's macOS Monterey preview page has confirmed that the feature is also coming to the Mac.

Essentially, Live Text allows written information within an image to be treated as interactive text. Users will be able to highlight the text, copy and paste it, and perform certain contextual actions.

For example, users will be able to click an address and get easy access to navigation data in Apple Maps via data detectors. Clicking on a phone number within a photo could bring up the address book.

On M1 Mac computers, Live Text feature also incorporates privacy features that ensure personal information or details never leaves a device.

Follow all of WWDC 2021 with comprehensive AppleInsider coverage of the week-long event from June 7 through June 11, including details on new launches and updates.

Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.

13 Comments

JinTech 9 Years · 1061 comments

About 3 years ago

This is one feature that blew me away and that I am most excited about.

22july2013 11 Years · 3736 comments

JinTech said:

This is one feature that blew me away and that I am most excited about.

Most features for users announced at most WWDCs are features that most people won't become aware of or use a lot. However this Live Text feature will amaze everyone and word about it will spread quickly. I presume Google will immediately launch a competitive feature for Android. Did Apple trademark the words "Live Text"?

danvm 9 Years · 1477 comments

22july2013 said:

JinTech said:

This is one feature that blew me away and that I am most excited about.

Most features for users announced at most WWDCs are features that most people won't become aware of or use a lot. However this Live Text feature will amaze everyone and word about it will spread quickly. I presume Google will immediately launch a competitive feature for Android. Did Apple trademark the words "Live Text"?

Maybe you didn't knew, but Google Lens already does what Apple showed today with Live Text.

Japhey 6 Years · 1772 comments

JinTech said:

This is one feature that blew me away and that I am most excited about.

I totally agree. In my humble opinion, this is the most important feature announced today. The future implications with regard to AR are very exciting.

bestkeptsecret 13 Years · 4289 comments

danvm said:

22july2013 said:

JinTech said:

This is one feature that blew me away and that I am most excited about.

Most features for users announced at most WWDCs are features that most people won't become aware of or use a lot. However this Live Text feature will amaze everyone and word about it will spread quickly. I presume Google will immediately launch a competitive feature for Android. Did Apple trademark the words "Live Text"?

Maybe you didn't knew, but Google Lens already does what Apple showed today with Live Text.

Yes, I would have been surprised if this wasn't already a feature on Google.