😺 Genmoji - Apple's AI Emoji Generator for iOS 18.2, Now In Beta [Updated October 2024]

Genmoji is an upcoming generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool developed by Apple.

As of October 2024, those signed up for the Apple Developer Beta program can access the feature within the first iOS 18.2 beta update, provided they are using an iPhone 15 Pro or an iPhone 16.

Announced as part of a selection of “Apple Intelligence” AI-based features during Apple's WWDC event in June 2024, the Genmoji feature will allow users to generate emoji-like images through text prompts entered directly into their Apple keyboards.

Shown below is a "t-rex wearing a tutu on a surfboard" example Genmoji.

Following a prompt, the Genmoji tool generates multiple variants of the emoji image design once the user as submitted the prompt, which the user can then scroll through to select their preferred generated emoji design.

Originally expected to be made available within iOS 18 in September 2024, the Genmoji feature is now due to be included within iOS 18.2 and is expected to be made available before the end of 2024.

However, only select devices running iOS 18 will have access to Apple Intelligence features including Genmoji. Currently, only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max devices include the processing power required to use Apple Intelligence features.

Other Genmoji examples shown during WWDC include a smiley with cucumber slices over its eyes, a lox bagel, and a brown squirrel using DJ equipment.

In addition to allowing users to generate their own emoji-like Gemoji designs, iOS 18.2 will also allow users to place their generated emoji-like designs in line with text. It will also do the same for other emoji-like image features, such as Memojis. 

This ability, which will visually emulate how Unicode-recommended emoji characters and sequences are input in line with text, is enabled through a new NSAdaptiveImageGlyph API, which was made available in iOS 18.

This API allows Genmoji and other sticker images to be accessed in a standard image format in a square aspect ratio with descriptive metadata and will support various image resolutions. You can learn more about NSAdaptiveImageGlyph here.

Genmojis can also be shared as tapback reactions and standalone sticker images.