The release of iOS 18.2 for iPhone users includes one of the most eagerly awaited features from Apple Intelligence: Genmoji. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting new emoji capability.
How to Create New Genmoji on Your iPhone with iOS 18.2
Genmoji is a combination of the words ’emoji’ and ‘AI-generated.’
In essence, iOS 18.2 enables you to harness Apple Intelligence to generate new emojis instantly.
To start, launch the emoji keyboard on your iPhone running iOS 18.2, where you’ll notice a new glowing smiley icon in the upper right corner.
Click on that icon and simply describe the emoji you wish to create—and that’s all!
Apple Intelligence will generate an emoji that fits your description, offering you multiple options to choose from.
After the initial emoji is produced, you can swipe through alternative options to select the perfect one. If the results don’t meet your expectations, feel free to refine your description for better accuracy.
You can also create Genmoji by searching for an existing emoji within the keyboard. If you find the emoji you want—fantastic, there’s no need for a Genmoji. However, if your search yields no results, you’ll receive a prompt: ‘Create New Emoji.’
Selecting this prompt leads to the generation of a new emoji based on your search criteria.
Everything is as straightforward as it seems.
Once a Genmoji is created, it will be saved in your emoji keyboard for easy reuse later.
You Can Create Genmoji Based on Real Individuals, But Not Recognizable Characters
When it comes to creating emojis, here are some important distinctions:
Genmoji can reflect people you know: While describing your emoji, you can mention a person’s name to generate an emoji resembling them—provided there is a reference photo to guide the creation. For instance, you could say, “Jacob as a superhero.”
Genmoji cannot be made for recognized intellectual property: Although it might be enjoyable to create emojis based on characters like Mickey Mouse, Elphaba from Wicked, or Darth Vader, Genmoji does not allow for such creations. Due to copyright concerns, known intellectual properties are restricted, and Apple won’t recognize such requests.
Requirements and Compatibility for Genmoji
Genmoji is a feature tied to Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.2, meaning only AI-compatible iPhones can access this capability.
If you own an iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max, you’ll be able to use Genmoji fully.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are also compatible with Genmoji.
Other iPhone models can receive Genmoji in messages and even save them for later use, but they won’t be able to create new Genmoji.
While it’s unclear how much Apple Intelligence has driven users to upgrade to the iPhone 16 series, Genmoji could very well be the catalyst for a surge in holiday purchases.
What are your favorite Genmoji creations? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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