- Apple has confirmed that a new tool called ‘genmoji’ is coming in the iOS 18
- We delve into some of the options – from ballet-dancing bears to squirrel DJs
Whether it’s a friendly smiley face or a cheeky aubergine, emoji now form a staple part of many of our daily messages.
iPhone users already have access to over 3,600 emoji – but that figure is set to skyrocket following Apple’s latest announcement.
The tech giant has confirmed that a new tool called ‘genmoji’ is coming in the iOS 18 update this autumn that will ‘take emoji to an entirely new level’.
But what will genmoji look like, and what will you be able to create?
We delve into some of the weird and wonderful options – from ballet-dancing bears to squirrel DJs.
Apple has confirmed that a new tool called ‘genmoji’ is coming in the iOS 18 update this autumn that will ‘take emoji to an entirely new level’
Genmoji were announced during Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in California this week.
‘Taking emoji to an entirely new level, users can create an original Genmoji to express themselves,’ Apple said.
The tool uses Apple’s new AI system, Apple Intelligence, to create custom characters.
‘By simply typing a description, their Genmoji appears, along with additional options,’ the tech giant explained.
‘Users can even create Genmoji of friends and family based on their photos.
What will genmoji look like, and what will you be able to create? We delve into some of the weird and wonderful options – from ballet-dancing bears to squirrel DJs
‘Just like emoji, Genmoji can be added inline to messages, or shared as a sticker or reaction in a Tapback.’
While iOS 18 won’t be available until autumn, Apple gave viewers a sneak peek at some of the genmoji you’ll be able to create.
A trip to the spa might call for a ‘smiley relaxing wearing cucumbers’, while a sleepy morning could require a ‘smiley yawning while holding a mug of coffee’.
Other, more unusual options showcased at WWDC include an ‘alien wearing a beret’, a ‘T.Rex surfing while wearing a tutu’, and an ‘angry slice of cake’.
While iOS 18 won’t be available until autumn, Apple gave viewers a sneak peek at some of the genmoji you’ll be able to create
Ahead of the release of iOS 18, several iPhone users have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to express their excitement.
‘Ok I’m calling it. Genmoji will change the course of human communication,’ one user tweeted.
Another added: ‘genmoji looks amazing and thanks to it we’ll never hear “we need an X or Y and Z emoji in a future iOS update!” again y’all just hate fun.’
And one joked: ‘I’m so sorry in advance for being an absolute menace once Genmoji’s release on the new IOS. This is my superbowl.’