Genmoji in iOS 18.2: Create Custom Emoji in Messages

[MacRumors]

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.

Requirements and Availability

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.

Apple Intelligence is available in English (US) in most regions around the world, while iOS 18.2 adds Apple Intelligence support for English (Australia), English (Canada), English (Ireland), English (New Zealand), English (South Africa) and English (UK).

Compatibility

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.

Creating Custom Emoji in Messages

1. In Messages, start a conversation or choose an existing one.
2. Tap the emoji symbol in the bottom-left corner of the keyboard.
3. In the emoji search field, describe your desired emoji (alternatively, tap the colored smiling emoji at the far right, then enter your description).
4. Tap Create New Emoji.
   
   
   
   On the New Genmoji screen, wait a moment for the amorphous blob to transform into your new emoji.
5. When the navigational symbols appear below the emoji, swipe left to preview alternative versions of your creation.
6. Tap the ellipsis button to add a caption to your emoji or save it as a sticker. You can also provide feedback to Apple using the thumbs up/down buttons.
   Tap Add when you're happy with your selection, then tap the blue arrow button to send your new Genmoji.
   
   

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.

Article Link: Genmoji in iOS 18.2: Create Custom Emoji in Messages

 

[Mac-Addict]

That’s great but how do I delete them once they’ve been created? My keyboard is littered with them now.

 

[cicalinarrot]

People will call this useless, I disagree.
I've argued several times this is less trivial than it seems.
We chat a lot on our phones. Many people chat more than they talk. Conveying the right message is important. I use a lot of emojis and gifs, this looks useful.

Plus, maybe you'll never use this but Apple desperately needs young people to want the next cool feature and jump into their ecosystem.

This is good.

 

[jarman92]

Discovered this yesterday—it refuses to make any images with the word "kiss" (as does ChatGPT). Truly bizarre and puritanical.

 

[guzhogi]

I want a unicorn with sharks for arms!

 

[jb310]

Having said that, Apple does maintain content restrictions similar to Image Playground to keep things appropriate.

I personally look forward to pushing the boundaries of decency and even sanity trying to get the most ungodly emoji
abominations imaginable.

...the people who'll be getting my messages though... well, I'll make it up to them somehow. 🤪

 

[thebeans]

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.

Requirements and Availability

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.

Apple Intelligence is available in English (US) in most regions around the world, while iOS 18.2 adds Apple Intelligence support for English (Australia), English (Canada), English (Ireland), English (New Zealand), English (South Africa) and English (UK).

Compatibility

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.

Creating Custom Emoji in Messages

1. In Messages, start a conversation or choose an existing one.
   
2. Tap the emoji symbol in the bottom-left corner of the keyboard.
   
3. In the emoji search field, describe your desired emoji (alternatively, tap the colored smiling emoji at the far right, then enter your description).
   
4. Tap Create New Emoji.
   
   
   
   On the New Genmoji screen, wait a moment for the amorphous blob to transform into your new emoji.
   
5. When the navigational symbols appear below the emoji, swipe left to preview alternative versions of your creation.
   
6. Tap the ellipsis button to add a caption to your emoji or save it as a sticker. You can also provide feedback to Apple using the thumbs up/down buttons.
   Tap Add when you're happy with your selection, then tap the blue arrow button to send your new Genmoji.
   
   

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.

Article Link: Genmoji in iOS 18.2: Create Custom Emoji in Messages

This will be fun and more useful than some imagine. I wonder why this limited as to who can receive it? Why can’t it just be an image that can be sent to anyone who can receive images in messages, including our green bubble friends.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I don't run betas, but a couple here at work do and said it just doesn't work very well. One of them said he hadn't had a single useful one generated since enabling it several days ago, despite trying quite a bit.

Edit: They were talking about image playground. My bad.

 

[Minato1990]

I need a hand twisting its fingers like a W like tupac used to do for west side.
I CANT MAKE IT DO THAT

 

[SoldOnApple]

We making our own emoji now, what a time to be alive.

 

[Algr]

The more emojies you have, the less likely they are to mean anything. I see so many that are just unintelligible smudges. Little meme-style drawings might be more useful.

 

[maczaddy]

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.

Requirements and Availability

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.

Apple Intelligence is available in English (US) in most regions around the world, while iOS 18.2 adds Apple Intelligence support for English (Australia), English (Canada), English (Ireland), English (New Zealand), English (South Africa) and English (UK).

Compatibility

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.

Creating Custom Emoji in Messages

1. In Messages, start a conversation or choose an existing one.
   
2. Tap the emoji symbol in the bottom-left corner of the keyboard.
   
3. In the emoji search field, describe your desired emoji (alternatively, tap the colored smiling emoji at the far right, then enter your description).
   
4. Tap Create New Emoji.
   
   
   
   On the New Genmoji screen, wait a moment for the amorphous blob to transform into your new emoji.
   
5. When the navigational symbols appear below the emoji, swipe left to preview alternative versions of your creation.
   
6. Tap the ellipsis button to add a caption to your emoji or save it as a sticker. You can also provide feedback to Apple using the thumbs up/down buttons.
   Tap Add when you're happy with your selection, then tap the blue arrow button to send your new Genmoji.
   
   

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.

Article Link: Genmoji in iOS 18.2: Create Custom Emoji in Messages

They should use the AI to help make your Memoji, sometimes I can’t really find the correct combo that makes a more accurate Memoji and I think if it could make a base and then you can edit the accessories that would be cool.

 

[n4uaj]

Anyone on the public beta got image playground yet?

 

[jonnysods]

I'm so old I don't even have the regular emoji keyboard thing enabled, not my cup of tea.

 

[iStorm]

This will be fun and more useful than some imagine. I wonder why this limited as to who can receive it? Why can’t it just be an image that can be sent to anyone who can receive images in messages, including our green bubble friends.

It's not limited. You can send them to anyone...

On older Apple devices or Android phones, Genmoji appear as regular images rather than inline emoji characters.

 

[bradman83]

Finally, this is going to dramatically improve my ability to annoy my spouse with even an even larger variety of cat and cat-related emojis.

 

[NightFox]

Why is it when I try to create a custom emoji, it will sometimes insist on me selecting a person on which to base it?

I tried asking it for an alien in a flying saucer which it went ahead and did with a generic alien. However, next time I tried, it decided the alien had to be based on someone in my Photos which isn't what I was after at all.

 

[Le0M]

I dunno about genmoji, but Image Playground s*cks badly. Full of mistakes, and it doesn't understand what I'm telling it.

 

[Le0M]

Anyone on the public beta got image playground yet?

I have, after like 2 weeks.

 

[bradman83]

I dunno about genmoji, but Image Playground s*cks badly. Full of mistakes, and it doesn't understand what I'm telling it.

I haven't tried Image Playground yet but I can say that many AI image generators are quite terrible. Adobe's Firefly generative engine constantly misses the mark on what I ask it to fill in, often creating something completely unrelated to what I requested. And if it has to generate something next to an existing person in the photo it makes the person look different (added weight, droopy features, etc).

Microsoft CoPilot gives me the best luck in generating what I want, but even then it's hit or miss and only creates full images.

 

[n4uaj]

I have, after like 2 weeks.

Ok Ive been on it about 1 week now so I reckon I just gotta keep checking

 

[frozencarbonite]

I still can't believe that the cutoff for this particular feature had to be the iPhone 15 Pro. I still believe that this was a marketing decision and not a hardware decision. I'm sure my iPhone 14 Pro Max could do this if allowed. Once the emoji is created, you wouldn't have to use AI every time.

 

[DrJR]

This is the apex of art in our times: artifacts of modernity, beauty in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

 

[VulchR]

Great! Now we can have the Genmoji Movie!

 

[gomichaelgo]

I was using Genmoji and Image Playground after the first beta, but something happened and mine is stuck in a "downloading" page for both and I can't use it. It's been a few days and it says "Downloading support for Image Playground..."