iOS 18.2 introduces a highly anticipated new feature called Genmoji, which allows iPhone users to create custom emojis with the help of Apple Intelligence. The concept behind Genmoji combines the classic emoji with AI-generated imagery.
Using this feature, users can simply open the emoji keyboard and tap a new glowing smiley icon in the top-right corner. After tapping this icon, users can describe the emoji they want, and Apple Intelligence will generate multiple options for them to choose from. If the first set of options isn’t perfect, users can refine their description for better results.
In addition to generating emojis from descriptions, there’s another way to use Genmoji. If a user searches for an emoji in the emoji keyboard and doesn’t find a match, a “Create New Emoji” suggestion will appear. By tapping this, Apple Intelligence will generate an emoji based on the search terms, making it easy to create new emojis even when the existing ones don’t meet the user’s needs. Once created, these Genmoji are saved to the user’s emoji keyboard for future use, adding convenience to the process.
Genmoji allows for personalized creations, such as making emojis based on real people. If a user describes a person (e.g., “Jacob as a superhero”), Apple Intelligence can create an emoji that resembles the described individual, provided there’s a reference photo available.
This offers a fun way to create personalized emojis for friends, family, or even yourself. However, Genmoji is limited in terms of using known characters from recognized intellectual property (IP). For example, creating emojis of characters like Mickey Mouse or Darth Vader is not possible due to copyright restrictions.
To use Genmoji, users need to have a compatible iPhone with Apple Intelligence. This feature is available on iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max models. These devices support the creation of Genmoji, allowing users to generate custom emojis directly.
For users with older iPhones, while they can receive and reuse Genmoji in messages, they won’t be able to create new ones. This limited compatibility may encourage some users to upgrade to newer iPhone models, particularly with the holiday season approaching.
Genmoji is a significant addition to Apple’s AI capabilities, offering users a fun and easy way to create personalized and unique emojis. This feature not only enhances the iPhone’s emoji functionality but also showcases Apple’s continued push into AI-powered features, which may influence users to upgrade their devices. With its ease of use, personalized options, and unique creations, Genmoji is likely to become a favorite among iPhone users, especially as it brings a new level of customization to the emoji experience.
