What Genmoji is and where to find it
Genmoji is Apple's AI-powered emoji generator that creates custom emoji based on text descriptions you write. It is built into iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later. You access it through the emoji keyboard on any compatible device — the same place you normally pick standard emoji.
Genmoji appears as a separate tab in the emoji picker, marked with a sparkle icon. When you tap or click it, you get a text field where you describe what emoji you want, and the system generates options for you to choose from. The generated emoji appear only in your messages and notes — they do not sync to other people's devices, so recipients see them as static images.
Key Takeaways
- Genmoji requires iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1 and works on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 models, iPad Pro with M1 or later, and Mac with Apple Silicon.
- You access Genmoji through the emoji keyboard in any app that lets you type — tap the sparkle icon in the emoji picker to open the generator.
- Type a description of what you want the emoji to look like, and the system generates several options you can insert into your message or note.
- Generated emoji are saved to your Recents tab for quick reuse, but they do not transfer to other people's devices or older Apple systems.
Which devices support Genmoji
Genmoji is not available on every Apple device. You need a device with Apple Silicon or the newest processors. On iPhone, Genmoji works on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models. Older iPhones, including the standard iPhone 15, cannot use it.
On iPad, you need iPad Pro with an M1 chip or newer, or iPad Air with an M1 chip or newer. Standard iPad and iPad mini do not support Genmoji. On Mac, you need a Mac with Apple Silicon — any Mac with an M1, M2, M3, M4 chip or later. Intel-based Macs cannot generate emoji.
Your device must also be running the correct software version. Check your iOS, iPadOS, or macOS version in Settings or System Settings. If you have an older version, go to Settings > General > Software Update (on iPhone or iPad) or System Settings > General > Software Update (on Mac) to download the latest version.
How to open the Genmoji generator
Open any app where you can type — Messages, Mail, Notes, or any text field. Tap or click the emoji keyboard button. On iPhone and iPad, this is usually a smiley face icon at the bottom of the keyboard. On Mac, you can open the emoji picker by pressing Control + Command + Space, or by clicking the emoji icon in the input menu if your keyboard has one.
Once the emoji picker opens, look for a tab with a sparkle icon. This is the Genmoji tab. Tap or click it to switch from standard emoji to the generator. You will see a text field that says "Describe an emoji" or similar. Type what you want — for example, "a cat wearing sunglasses" or "a pizza slice with a happy face."
The system generates several options based on your description. Tap or click the one you like, and it inserts into your message or note. If none of the options match what you wanted, try a different description and generate again.
Saving and reusing Genmoji you create
Every Genmoji you generate is automatically saved to your Recents tab in the emoji picker. The next time you open the emoji keyboard, switch to the Genmoji tab and look for a Recents section at the top. Your recently created emoji appear there, so you can insert them again without retyping the description.
Recents are stored on your device only. If you create a Genmoji on your iPhone, it does not automatically appear in Recents on your iPad or Mac. You would need to generate it again on those devices, or you can use the same description to recreate it.
Genmoji you send in messages appear to other people as static images, not as editable emoji. If someone on an older device or a non-Apple device receives a message with your Genmoji, they see it as a picture, not as an interactive emoji.
Troubleshooting Genmoji if it is not showing up
If you do not see the Genmoji tab in your emoji picker, first check that your device and software meet the requirements listed above. Genmoji only works on iPhone 15 Pro and newer, iPad Pro or Air with M1 or newer, and Mac with Apple Silicon running the correct OS version.
If your device qualifies but Genmoji still does not appear, restart your device. Power off completely, wait a few seconds, and power back on. This often fixes temporary software glitches. After restart, open the emoji picker again and look for the sparkle icon.
If Genmoji still does not show, check that you have the latest software update installed. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iPhone or iPad, or System Settings > General > Software Update on Mac. Download and install any available updates, then restart and try again.
Understanding Genmoji limitations and privacy
Genmoji generation happens on your device, not on Apple's servers. This means the process is private — Apple does not see the descriptions you type or store them. However, the feature requires a compatible processor and enough processing power, which is why it is limited to newer devices.
Generated emoji are not perfect. The system sometimes misinterprets descriptions or creates emoji that do not match what you asked for. If the first set of options does not work, try rephrasing your description more simply or more specifically. For example, instead of "a sad dog," try "a dog with droopy ears" or "a dog crying."
Genmoji you create are unique to your device and account. They do not sync to iCloud or transfer between devices automatically. If you want the same custom emoji on multiple devices, you need to generate it on each one using the same description.
Using Genmoji in different apps
Genmoji works in any app that uses the standard Apple emoji keyboard. This includes Messages, Mail, Notes, Reminders, Calendar, and most third-party apps. Open the app, tap in a text field, bring up the emoji keyboard, and switch to the Genmoji tab.
Some apps may not support custom emoji or may display them differently. If you insert a Genmoji into an app and it does not appear correctly, try using it in a different app to see if the problem is app-specific. Most Apple apps and popular third-party apps handle Genmoji without issues.
When you send a Genmoji in a message to someone with an older device or a non-Apple device, they receive it as an image file. They cannot edit it or regenerate it, but they can see and save it like any other image.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Genmoji on my iPhone 15 or older iPhone?
No. Genmoji only works on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models. The standard iPhone 15 and all older iPhones do not have the processor power needed to generate emoji. If you have an older model, you can still receive and view Genmoji that others send you, but you cannot create new ones.
Do people see my Genmoji the same way I do?
No. When you send a Genmoji in a message, the recipient sees it as a static image. They cannot edit it, regenerate it, or see it as an interactive emoji. If they have a compatible device and want to use a similar emoji, they would need to create their own using the Genmoji generator.
Will my Genmoji appear on my iPad if I create it on my iPhone?
Not automatically. Genmoji are stored on the device where you create them. If you want the same emoji on your iPad, you need to open the Genmoji generator on the iPad and use the same description to recreate it. Your Recents list does not sync between devices.
What happens if Genmoji is not in my emoji picker?
Check that your device meets the requirements — iPhone 15 Pro or newer, iPad Pro or Air with M1 or newer, or Mac with Apple Silicon. Then verify you are running iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later. If both are true, restart your device and check for software updates. If it still does not appear, the feature may not be available in your region yet.
Can I save Genmoji permanently or export them?
Genmoji are saved in your Recents tab for quick reuse, but there is no way to permanently archive them or export them as files. If you delete your device data or reset your emoji settings, your Recents list clears. You can always recreate a Genmoji by typing the same description again.