How to use Genmoji on iOS 18

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. With that being said, if you want to get a head start on knowing how, exactly, one uses Genmoji, here’s what we know so far.

1. Open the Messages app.

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

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

4. A “Create new emoji” prompt will pop up.

5. An ovular bubble will appear, showing that it is currently generating a new Genmoji based on your text.

6. After a few seconds, you should see some iterations of your new AI-generated emoji.

7. 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 Apple, Genmoji should be available in an upcoming beta version in the summer. Chances are high that it will be featured in a public beta, which is expected to roll out some time in July.

However, a stable, final version of Genmoji will likely drop in the fall, with a release date in September, alongside the expected iPhone 16 launch.