iOS 18.2: Create Custom Emoji in Messages With Genmoji

[MacRumors]

In iOS 18.2, which Apple is releasing today, 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

Genmoji is available in the iOS 18.2 update, which Apple is releasing on December 11, 2024. 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.

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

 

[everlast3434]

But why...?

 

[coolfactor]

If they were unable to be inlined with text, they would not be true emoji.

Glad to hear that they fall back to being regular images on non-compatible devices.

 

[coolfactor]

But why...?

But why not...?

In today's world of text-heavy communications, being able to suggest emotion (which emoji were invented for) goes a long way to clarifying tone and intent of a message. All too often, a message is interpreted differently from how a sender intended it, and emoji help to close that gap.

Genmoji is just emoji on steroids.

 

[Pudlo]

hi stupid question, if I have rc2 already installed (22c151) will it still prompt me to update or it just the final 18.2 same as final release?

 

[Rychiar]

If they were unable to be inlined with text, they would not be true emoji.

Glad to hear that they fall back to being regular images on non-compatible devices.

they're really just stickers. and they wind up clogging up the stickers menu. I just went in and deleted a bunch of dumb ones I made

 

[TheBeverage]

If the generation is done on device, why is a waitlist required?

 

[Bones402]

Found myself using it for like 30 minutes and never have again. But then again, I am from the 1900s as my kid is saying these days.

 

[PTVMan]

This was a very helpful article. Thanks.

 

[dugbug]

so WHAT features are blocked by this waitlist and what ones should work?

Feels weird to release a feature and even build ads around it. My parents don't know about a waitlist, they don't know why their phone isn't doing those things.

 

[vegetassj4]

Moar GenMoji! You can never have enough Gen/Me/e/u/I/we Mojis!!!! Now That's Apple Intelligence!!!

 

[krusnof]

I've never got the option of "describe an emoji" and I've been on every beta and Apple Inteligence since the beginning. I read that you need to have stickers turned on, but not even sure how do to turn them on/off—and stickers work. So never worked for me, maybe a bug still but that seems very unlikely.

 

[msackey]

What does “gen” in “genmoji” stand for? Is it “generated” or perhaps these days the term they love is “generative”?

And how does one pronounce “genmoji”? Gen as in “generate” or as in “genghis khan”?

 

[Mr_Ed]

But why not...?

In today's world of text-heavy communications, being able to suggest emotion (which emoji were invented for) goes a long way to clarifying tone and intent of a message. All too often, a message is interpreted differently from how a sender intended it, and emoji help to close that gap.

Genmoji is just emoji on steroids.

I’ll concede that the occasional smily or angry face emoji in informal communication is convenient. But the overall genmoji workflow just doesn’t add up as being beneficial for me.

I am already engaged in written communication, and I have to take a detour to further textually describe an image that once included in the message, may still be misinterpreted.

Tone and intent can be conveyed in written form. It’s straightforward enough to state how you feel if you think that is called for in the communication. Having to describe something that results in an image seems like extra work. I am better off working on my communication skills to improve my ability to get my point across with little ambiguity than I am spending any time learning how to describe an image to get the desired result.

 

[bluespark]

There's a lot going on in that icon.

 

[Dulcimer]

But why...?

Because it’s fun. Lighten up, old chap.

 

[everlast3434]

But why not...?

In today's world of text-heavy communications, being able to suggest emotion (which emoji were invented for) goes a long way to clarifying tone and intent of a message. All too often, a message is interpreted differently from how a sender intended it, and emoji help to close that gap.

Genmoji is just emoji on steroids.

Ok thanks. *insert flamingo wearing a cute little hat while riding an over-sized goldfish emoji*

 

[ScubaCinci]

Does the recipient have to be on iOS 18.2 as well to see it?

 

[noSpeed]

How long does it take after "downloading support for image playground"? I've been stuck on that screen for maybe 3 hours.

 

[svish]

Good article. Very nice and interesting feature. Will be trying it out once I update my devices in the coming days.

 

[CarAnalogy]

Because it’s fun. Lighten up, old chap.

Picking this of similar posts to say yes, fair point. But I’d find it more fun if I felt like they had the fundamentals in order before they start doing stuff like this.