Apple’s latest macOS update introduces some exciting new artificial intelligence features while also refining existing functionality. macOS Sequoia 15.3, released on January 27, 2025, brings the Genmoji custom emoji creator to Mac users and makes some important changes to how notifications are handled.
Genmoji Comes to Mac
The headline feature of macOS 15.3 is the addition of Genmoji, Apple’s AI-powered custom emoji generator. Previously only available on iPhone and iPad, Genmoji now allows Mac users to create unique emoji based on text descriptions or photos.
To use Genmoji on your Mac:
Step 1: Open any app that supports emoji input, like Messages.
Step 2: Click the emoji picker button in the app.
Step 3: Click the Genmoji button (it looks like a smiling face) at the top of the emoji picker.
Step 4: Type a description of the emoji you want to create, like “rainbow cactus” or “dog riding a bicycle”.
Step 5: Choose from the AI-generated options and click to insert your custom Genmoji.
You can also create Genmoji based on photos of people in your library, allowing for more personalized creations. Genmoji works seamlessly across Apple devices, syncing your custom emoji via iCloud.
Notification Improvements and Temporary Removals
macOS 15.3 brings some notable changes to how notifications are handled:
- Notification summaries now use italicized text and a special glyph to distinguish AI-generated summaries from regular notifications.
- Users can now manage notification summary settings directly from the Lock Screen on Apple silicon Macs.
- News and entertainment app notification summaries have been temporarily disabled due to concerns about AI misrepresenting headlines.
Apple plans to re-enable news and entertainment summaries in a future update after addressing accuracy issues.
Apple Intelligence Now On By Default
With macOS 15.3, Apple Intelligence features are now enabled by default on compatible Macs during setup or after updating. This change aims to streamline access to AI-powered tools like Genmoji, Writing Tools, and enhanced Siri capabilities.
Users who prefer not to use Apple Intelligence can still disable it by going to System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and toggling off the Apple Intelligence switch.
Other Notable Changes
- The Calculator app now repeats the last operation when you click the equals sign multiple times, similar to many handheld calculators.
- Apple has improved third-party app support for its AI-powered Writing Tools.
- Various bug fixes and security updates are included to improve overall system stability and performance.
Compatibility and Availability
macOS Sequoia 15.3 is available for all Macs that can run macOS Sequoia (15.0). However, some AI features like Genmoji require an Apple silicon Mac. The update can be installed through System Settings > General > Software Update.
macOS 15.3 represents another step in Apple’s integration of AI technology across its ecosystem. While some features are still being refined, the addition of Genmoji and improvements to notifications showcase Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience through intelligent, context-aware tools.