How to use Genmoji on iOS 18
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?"
Genmoji was released to the public on Monday, Dec. 9 with iOS 18.2. Here's how to use them.
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 via Settings > General > Software update.
Next, in the Messages app, tap on the "+" button and tap on "Image Playground."
Next, you'll be prompted to request early access Image Playground, Genmoji, and Image Wand.
Once you've been granted access, follow the steps below to use Genmoji.
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 release date on iOS 18
Genmoji launched Monday, Dec. 9 with iOS 18.2.
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.
Kimberly Gedeon, at Mashable since 2023, is a tech explorer who enjoys doing deep dives into the most popular gadgets, from the latest iPhones to the most immersive VR headsets. She's drawn to strange, avant-garde, bizarre tech, whether it's a 3D laptop, a gaming rig that can transform into a briefcase, or smart glasses that can capture video. Her journalism career kicked off about a decade ago at MadameNoire where she covered tech and business before landing as a tech editor at Laptop Mag in 2020.
