How to create custom emojis with Apple’s new Genmoji AI tool

Apple’s new Genmoji feature, introduced in iOS/iPadOS 18.2, brings AI-powered custom emoji creation to compatible iPhones and iPads, allowing users to generate personalized emojis based on text descriptions.

Device compatibility and requirements: The Genmoji feature is available only on specific Apple devices with advanced processing capabilities.

• Compatible devices include iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPads with M1 chip or later, and 2024 iPad mini with A17 Pro chip
• Users must update their devices to iOS/iPadOS 18.2
• Apple Intelligence must be enabled in device settings

Feature functionality and accessibility: Genmoji integrates seamlessly with various text-based applications where emoji keyboards are typically available.

• Works across native Apple apps including Messages, Mail, and Notes
• Compatible with social media platforms like Facebook and X
• Functions in productivity applications such as Pages and Keynote

Setup process: Getting started with Genmoji requires a few initial configuration steps.

• Users need to perform a system update through Settings > General > Software Update
• Apple Intelligence must be activated via Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri
• The feature can be accessed through the emoji keyboard in supported applications

Creation process: Generating custom emojis with Genmoji involves a straightforward interaction with the AI system.

• Users can access Genmoji through the emoji keyboard by tapping the dedicated Genmoji icon
• Custom emojis are created by providing text descriptions of desired images
• Multiple variations of each description are generated and can be viewed by swiping
• Descriptions can be refined or modified to achieve desired results

Usage and sharing options: The platform offers various ways to utilize and preserve created emojis.

• Created Genmojis can be immediately inserted into messages
• Options include copying, sharing via iOS Share menu, and saving as reusable stickers
• Users can add captions to their custom emojis
• Saved Genmojis can be accessed and reused in future conversations

Looking ahead: While Genmoji represents a significant step in personalizing digital communication, its current device limitations suggest Apple may be testing the feature before wider deployment. The success and user adoption of this feature could influence future developments in AI-powered personalization tools across Apple’s ecosystem.