Apple buries a document scanner inside the Stocks app that most iPhone users never discover. The tool works independently from the Notes app scanner and offers distinct advantages for capturing receipts, invoices, and financial documents.
To access it, open the Stocks app, tap the search icon at the bottom, and select the camera symbol. Your iPhone then converts physical documents into clean PDFs with automatic edge detection and perspective correction. The scanner straightens skewed angles and removes shadows automatically, making receipts legible even in poor lighting.
This hidden scanner excels at capturing financial paperwork. It handles multi-page documents better than the Notes version, allowing you to scan entire receipts or invoices in sequence and save them as single files. The output quality remains sharp for text-heavy documents like billing statements or tax forms.
The feature matters for personal finance management. Savers tracking expenses benefit from quick document capture without toggling between apps. People managing medical reimbursements, insurance claims, or small business records save time organizing proof of purchase. The automatic straightening and shadow removal reduce the need for editing or retakes.
iPhone users accustomed to the Notes scanner may wonder why Apple maintains two versions. The Stocks app scanner appears optimized for financial document handling, while Notes serves broader scanning needs. Neither requires subscription fees or third-party apps.
To use it effectively, ensure adequate lighting and hold your device steady. The app saves PDFs directly, which you can email, upload to cloud storage, or organize in the Files app. You can also screenshot and share instantly.
This tool represents Apple's tendency to hide useful features deep within built-in apps. Most users stick with familiar options like Notes, missing faster or more specialized alternatives. Checking your Stocks app unlocks document management capability that rivals dedicated scanner apps you might otherwise pay for.