WWDC 2024: Genmoji lets you create your own emojis with 'Apple Intelligence'

Describe an emoji you need and Genmoji will create it.
By Darragh Murphy  on 
Apple representative on stage presenting Genmoji feature
Apple's new Genmoji feature using Apple Intelligence Credit: Apple

Apple revealed its all-new Genmoji feature at WWDC 2024, allowing users to create emojis using Apple Intelligence (AI). That's right; you can now generate a unique emoji by simply describing the emoji you want via Apple AI — and even use images of friends.

Apple already has thousands of emojis available and continuously brings new additions in annual updates. With Genmoji, however, you don't have to wait around to send off the right emoji.

Create new emojis with Genmoji

Through Apple Intelligence, users can create Genmojis (Generative + Emoji) on their iPhone, iPad, and Mac just by bringing up the AI prompt and keyboard. By simply providing a description, you'll see a unique Genmoji appear that's ready to be sent off in the Messages app and more.

iPhone showcasing Genmoji feature creating new emojis
Credit: Apple

As per Apple's example, you can write "Smiley relaxing wearing cucumbers," and the Genmoji will be created. What's more, there will be more options for the same description to pick from, giving users plenty of choice to select the emoji they're keen on.

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It aims to give users a specific way to describe how they feel, get excited about an occasion, or "complain about the rowdy squirrel right outside your window." Yes, it can be that specific.

Since Apple Intelligence is aware of the people in your library, you can also pick someone and generate a Genmoji based on them. Want to turn your friend into a secret agent emoji? You now can.

iPhone showcasing Genmoji feature creating new emojis
Credit: Apple


Genmoji can also be used to react to messages in a chat, placed inline in your messages, and as stickers. Essentially, they act like custom-made emojis that can be generated in seconds.

Genmoji isn't the only Apple AI trick announced, as WWDC 2024 also showed a bunch of iOS 18, iPadOS 18 — and even Safari updates with Apple Intelligence tools.

Darragh Murphy profile picture
Darragh Murphy
VPN and tech reporter

Darragh Murphy is fascinated by all things bizarre, which usually leads to assorted coverage varying from washing machines designed for earbuds to the mischievous world of online security. Whether it's connecting Scar from The Lion King to two-factor authentication or turning his love for laptops into a fabricated rap battle from 8 Mile, he believes there’s always a quirky spin to be made.

When he's not checking out the latest devices and all things VPNs, he can be found swimming laps, watching terrible shark movies, and trying to find time to game.


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