Apple Introduces Genmoji: AI-Powered Custom Emoji Creation in iOS 18.2

Genmoji in iOS 18.2: Create Custom Emoji in Messages

Apple's new Genmoji feature lets you create personalized emoji that aim to perfectly match what you want to express, going far beyond the limitations of standard Unicode emoji. Want an emoji of a break-dancing astronaut or a dog playing bagpipes? With Genmoji, you can make it happen. Unlike standard emoji that are fixed Unicode characters, Genmoji are dynamically generated using on-device AI. They work seamlessly in text, appearing as inline emoji characters in supported apps like Messages and Notes. You can even create Genmoji based on people in your Photos app, making them more personal and expressive. Currently, Genmoji is only available in the iOS 18.2 beta for developers and public beta testers. The feature also requires Apple Intelligence, which is limited to iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and iPhone 16 series models. Apple Intelligence does not currently work in the EU. Even with a compatible device in a supported region, you'll need to join a waitlist for Apple Intelligence features like image creation (Settings ➝ Apple Intelligence & Siri). Apple will notify you when access is granted. Note that Apple Intelligence is only available when your iPhone and Siri are set to the same language. While Genmoji work best between iOS 18.2 devices, they're also viewable on devices running iOS/iPadOS 18.1 and later, as well as Macs running macOS Sequoia 15.1 and later. On older Apple devices or Android phones, Genmoji appear as regular images rather than inline emoji characters. Third-party apps need to specifically add Genmoji support to enable creation and proper display of these custom emoji. With Genmoji, emoji finally become as limitless as your imagination. Having said that, Apple does maintain content restrictions similar to Image Playground to keep things appropriate. Regardless, once you start creating custom emoji, you might find standard emoji feeling a bit limited in comparison. Apple is expected to release iOS 18.2 in early December.

How to use Genmoji - create your own emojis using Apple Intelligence

Genmoji is one of the best Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.2, and now that the new software is available in public beta, you can try it out for yourself. Genmoji is Apple's new generative AI feature that creates custom emojis on the fly from whatever prompt you ask for - think Apple's Memoji, but better. In this article, I'll walk you through the process of creating your first Apple Intelligence Genmoji so you can share fun custom emojis with all your friends and family. Here's how to use Genmoji in iOS 18.2. iOS 18.2 is currently in public beta and will officially launch in December 2024. While this software has been stable throughout our testing, we do not advise installing any software in development on your main Apple devices. All screenshots in this article are from the iOS 18.2 public beta, and it's important to note that UI elements are subject to change in the official release of iOS 18.2. Apple Intelligence works with all the latest iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Before trying to enable Apple Intelligence, make sure to double check you own one of the compatible devices below: Genmoji is one of the easiest AI tools I've ever used, and once you get the hang of it, you'll likely start using it in most of your online messaging. At the moment, apps like Messenger or Discord turn Genmoji into large stickers, but we expect these platforms to update in due course to allow Genmoji to function just like regular emojis. In first-party Apple apps like Messages, Genmoji has convinced me that Apple Intelligence will be a huge success. Creating custom emojis is sleek and simple and you can use the Genmoji to react to messages, alongside text, and even with text effects. Genmoji is just one of many new Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.2, alongside Image Playground, Apple's take on the best AI image generator, and ChatGPT integration in Siri. 2024 is just the beginning for Apple Intelligence, with more features set to arrive in 2025 and beyond. AI is now at the core of iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and the possibilities of what that means for consumers are endless. Genmoji is a fantastic feature as it's incredibly accessible and the type of feature that you can show your friends and family, and they'll instantly understand. With custom Genmoji packs going viral on social media, it's only a matter of time before everyone uses Apple Intelligence-generated emojis in all their online communications. So whether you start with Genmoji today with the iOS 18.2 public beta or wait for the official release, it's only the start of a Genmoji revolution.