How to use Genmoji on iOS 18

UPDATE: Sep. 18, 2024, 10:51 p.m. EDT Genmoji, part of the Apple Intelligence (Apple’s new suite of AI features), is not available yet. Apple Intelligence is expected to officially roll out later this year, likely December, with the launch of iOS 18.2.

Genmoji, unveiled at WWDC 2024, is arguably one of the best 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 upcoming AI-powered iOS 18 has the ability to generate customized emoji. The question is, though, “How do you use Genmoji?”

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 to the iPad user guide.

Genmoji demo at WWDC 2024
Credit: Apple

1. Open the Messages app.

2. Tap on a thread or compose a new message.

3. Tap on the emoji icon.

4. Start typing your description in the text field. For example, “A pink flamingo with tap-dancing shoes.”

5. 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

Although there is currently an iOS 18 developer beta available for brave testers who don’t mind the potential risks of an unrefined, rough-around-the-edges version, Genmoji is currently not featured on it.

Genmoji release date on iOS 18

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Genmoji isn’t expected to roll out until iOS 18.2, 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.

We won’t know until we hear from the horse’s mouth, but all signs are pointing to an end-of-year launch for Genmoji.