Genmoji, unveiled at WWDC 2024, is arguably one of the most highly anticipated features coming to iOS 18. An amalgamation of the words “generative AI” and “emoji,” Genmoji lets you describe the emoji you’d like to create.
Although iOS offers a sizable library of emoji to choose from, there are times when you can’t quite find the right character that encapsulates an expression you want to convey. Genmoji solves this problem. Leveraging Apple Intelligence and on-device processing, the new AI-powered iOS 18 will have the ability to generate customized emoji. The question is, though, “How do you use Genmoji?”
Why ‘Apple Intelligence’ isn’t a chatbot: ‘We’re not taking a teenager and telling it to fly a plane.’
Genmoji isn’t available to the public yet, but if you’re curious how to use it before it launches, there is a way.
iOS 18: How to use Genmoji
Genmoji, like other Apple Intelligence features, are only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models, as well as the entire iPhone 16 lineup.
With that being said, if you want to get a head start on knowing how, exactly, one uses Genmoji, here’s what we know based on an update from Apple.
Firstly, make sure your iPhone is updated to the iOS 18.2 beta via Settings > General > Software update.
Mashable Light Speed
Next, in the Messages app, tap on the “+” button and tap on “Image Playground.”
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Next, you’ll be prompted to request early access Image Playground, Genmoji, and Image Wand.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Once you’ve been granted access, follow the steps below to use Genmoji.
Genmoji demo at WWDC 2024
Credit: Apple
-
Open the Messages app.
-
Tap on a thread or compose a new message.
-
Tap on the emoji icon.
-
Start typing your description in the text field. For example, “A pink flamingo with tap-dancing shoes.”
-
Tap on “Create new emoji.“
An ovular bubble will appear, showing that it is currently generating a new Genmoji. After a few seconds, you should see some iterations of your new AI-generated emoji. Swipe through the options and hit “Insert” on the one you like the most.
Genmoji demo at WWDC 2024
Credit: Apple
Genmoji release date on iOS 18
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Genmoji isn’t expected to roll out officially until the stable, public version of iOS 18.2 drops, which will likely launch in December.
Alongside Genmoji, we’re also expecting to see another highly anticipated AI-powered tool called Image Playground, which lets you generate AI images. Image Playground is also expected to launch via iOS 18.2 in December.
This nugget of information was later corroborated by Apple itself, which announced that Genmoji will land on supported iPhones next month.
