Guide to Using Genmoji on iOS 18

With the arrival of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2, Apple has embraced generative AI. A key element of Apple Intelligence, Genmoji empowers you to design personalized emojis using AI, which you can then use in messages, as stickers, and even as Tapback reactions.

Struggling to use Genmoji on iOS 18? Here’s how to get started.

How to Refine Your Genmoji

If the initial Genmoji creation doesn’t quite hit the mark, you can easily refine it. For example, if a simple “purple daffodil” isn’t what you envisioned, enrich your description with more details. Specifying “purple daffodil growing out of the ground” can help the AI generate a more accurate and satisfying result.

How to Use Genmoji on iOS 18

The unique aspect of Genmoji is its integration within the iOS ecosystem, rather than existing as a standalone app. It’s accessible directly from your keyboard.

Step 1: Open any Apple app, like Messages, where you can access a text input field. Tap the emoji icon to switch from your standard keyboard to the emoji keyboard. This icon usually appears as a smiley face or a globe outline.

Step 2: Look at the top-right corner of the emoji keyboard; you should find a smiley face icon with a small “+” symbol in its upper-right corner. Tap this icon to open the Genmoji creator.

Step 3: Type a description of the emoji you want to create. For example, “purple daffodil.” Then, tap the “Done” button.

Step 4: Add your new Genmoji to a message by swiping through your available emojis to find it and tapping it.

You can also generate Genmojis using photos from your library. For this to work, the photo needs to have a description identifying who is in the picture. When creating a Genmoji, tap “Choose a Person” and select the identified person from your Photos library. To further customize, create a variation of the person’s photo for a more unique Genmoji.

Checking Genmoji Compatibility

Before creating Genmoji in iOS 18, confirm your device supports the feature. Apple’s generative AI features are exclusively available on the iPhone 16 series and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. Older iPhones are not compatible with Genmoji, regardless of the iOS version.

Assuming you have a compatible iPhone, verify that you’re running the correct iOS version—iOS 18.2 or later. Here’s how to check:

Step 1: Tap the Settings icon, then select General.

Step 2: Choose Software Update.

If an iOS update is available and automatic updates are disabled, you’ll see a notification. Tap Install Now and wait for the installation to complete.


With Genmoji, you can add a personal touch to your messages and express yourself in creative ways. Enjoy experimenting with different prompts to see what unique emojis you can generate!