Apple has finally rolled out its innovative Genmoji feature, allowing users to create original emojis from written prompts, as part of its iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 software updates. The highly anticipated feature, initially debuted at WWDC 2024, is now available for users to try, after being previously available only as a public beta.

Genmoji, a key component of Apple's Intelligence features, enables users to generate custom emojis using the iPhone's emoji keyboard. By typing a prompt, such as "A sloth wearing a suit and tie," users can create unique emojis that can be used in Messages, Stickers, and Tapbacks. The feature also allows users to react to messages with a Genmoji or Apple's message effects.

To access Genmoji, users need to ensure Apple Intelligence is enabled, then launch the Messages app, start a new message or open an existing chat, and click on the emoji keyboard located in the bottom left corner. From there, users can type their prompt into the search bar and choose "Create New Emoji" to generate multiple versions of the AI-generated emoji based on their custom description.

Users can save their favorite Genmoji by tapping "Add" in the top-right corner, permanently adding the new emoji to their keyboard. Additionally, users can save a Genmoji sent by someone else by long-pressing on it and selecting "Emoji Details," which displays the prompt used to generate it, with an option to download it.

The Genmoji feature is currently available on select Apple devices, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Max, iPad mini with A17 Pro chip, and all iPads with an Apple silicon chip. macOS support is expected to arrive soon.

It's worth noting that Apple Intelligence, including Genmoji, is not supported in China and the EU due to regulatory restrictions. However, the feature is available in U.S. English, with localized English support rolling out for users in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. Apple plans to expand language support to include Chinese, English (India), English (Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese by 2025.

The introduction of Genmoji marks a significant milestone in Apple's AI-driven features, offering users a unique way to express themselves through custom emojis. As the feature continues to evolve and expand to more devices and languages, it will be interesting to see how users adapt and incorporate Genmoji into their daily communication.