Genmoji
Genmoji generates custom emojis from text prompts using Apple Intelligence on-device AI models.
Why It Exists
Standard emoji libraries are limited in representing personal appearance, cultural nuances, and specific contexts. Genmoji addresses the need for personalized, expressive communication that goes beyond predefined emoji sets.
How It Works
Genmoji uses Apple Intelligence language and image models working together to create personalized emoji characters from text descriptions. Users type a prompt describing the desired emoji (e.g., a person with a baseball cap dancing), and the on-device model generates a set of unique emoji variations. The feature integrates into the standard emoji keyboard across iOS and iPadOS apps, allowing users to express themselves with custom emoji that reflect their personality, context, or humor. All generation happens on-device using the Apple Neural Engine, preserving user privacy.
Everyday Use Cases
- Create a custom emoji of yourself as a surfer for a beach trip message
- Generate a team mascot emoji for group chat
- Design a personalized emoji for your contact card
- Make a holiday-themed emoji for seasonal greetings
User Workflow
- Open any app with a text input
- Tap the emoji icon to open the keyboard
- Tap the Genmoji tab or + button
- Enter a text prompt describing the emoji
- Review generated variations
- Tap to insert the chosen emoji into the text field
AI Processing Flow
On-device Apple Intelligence model interprets the text prompt, generates semantic embeddings, then an image diffusion model creates emoji variations using the Apple Neural Engine. No data leaves the device.
Inputs / Outputs
Inputs:
- Text prompt
- Device hardware capabilities (NPU)
Outputs:
- Set of custom emoji variations (PNG with transparency)
Known Limitations
- Requires iOS 18.1 or later
- Requires A17 Pro or M-series chip
- Limited to 1000 custom emojis per device
- Prompts must be family-friendly
Unsupported Scenarios
- Does not generate violent, sexual, or explicit content
- Cannot create emojis mimicking real people or public figures
- Not available on devices without Apple Neural Engine
Performance Notes
Generation completes in under 5 seconds on supported devices. Minimal battery impact due to on-device processing. Emoji quality improves with more specific prompts.
Available On
Shows where this feature is available and how its AI processing works on each platform. Availability may vary by device.
| Platform | Execution | Offline | Cloud | OS / Software |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Intelligence | Local | Yes | No - on-device | iOS 18.1+ (iPhone 15 Pro/16+), iPadOS 18.1+ (M2/M3 iPad+), macOS 15.1+ (M-series Mac+) |
Research Status
Confidence and verification reflect how complete documentation is. Fields may show Not assessed or Not yet verified while research is ongoing - this flags gaps, not product deficiencies.
| Research Status | Verified |
| Confidence | High |
| First introduced | 2024-09-09 |
| Last updated | 2026-08-16 |
| Last verified | 2026-08-16 |
Research Notes
Source: Apple Developer Documentation / WWDC 2024. Genmoji launches with iOS 18.1 as part of Apple Intelligence. Uses on-device processing exclusively for privacy.
Details
| Vendor | Apple |
| AI Platform | Apple Intelligence |
| Category | Image Generation |
Capability Mapping
This feature maps to canonical capability family: Image Generation.
Canonical capability: Emoji Generation.
- Emoji Generation - Creates custom emoji-like symbols or stickers from prompts, emoji combinations, or people/photos.
Grounded in 3 device(s) on Apple Intelligence.
Related Features
- Cocreator - Cross-platform equivalent
- Pixel Studio - Cross-platform equivalent
This page describes platform-level capability; not device-level support for any specific product.