OpenAI has released an update to the ChatGPT app for i Phone that simplifies how users attach images during conversations. The new feature allows users to long-press the plus button to instantly view and select their most recent photos, reducing the number of steps needed to share an image. This change applies when using ChatGPT to identify objects, explain scenes, analyze content, or react to visual input directly from the camera roll.
The update streamlines a process that previously required navigating through multiple menus to find and attach a picture. By enabling direct access to recent images with a long press, the app minimizes friction for users who frequently rely on visual queries. This is particularly useful in moments where speed matters, such as identifying a plant, translating text in a photo, or getting feedback on a handwritten note. The functionality builds on existing image input capabilities but makes them more responsive for everyday use.
When a user opens a chat in ChatGPT and presses and holds the plus icon, a preview of their latest photos appears immediately. From there, they can tap to select one or more images without opening the full photo library. This shortcut skips the usual step of tapping the plus button, then choosing „Photo Library,” and scrolling to find a recent shot. The change is especially helpful for users who take multiple photos in quick succession and want to reference the most recent one. Early feedback suggests the update improves efficiency for common tasks like homework help, travel planning, and visual troubleshooting.
The adjustment reflects a broader trend of refining AI interfaces for mobile-first use cases. As more people use ChatGPT on the go, reducing interaction steps increases the likelihood of spontaneous, visual-based queries. By making image attachment faster, OpenAI lowers the barrier to using ChatGPT as a real-time visual assistant. This could encourage broader adoption of multimodal features, especially among users who prefer quick, intuitive actions over navigating complex menus. The update does not alter the underlying AI models but enhances how users engage with them on iOS devices.
How do I use the long-press photo shortcut in ChatGPT? Open a chat, press and hold the plus button, then select from the preview of recent photos that appears.
Does this work with videos or other file types? No, the shortcut currently only applies to photos from the recent camera roll.
Will this feature come to Android? OpenAI has not announced plans for a similar update on Android at this time.