How to customise emojis using Apple Intelligence on iPhone: Step-by-step guide

Want to create your own emoji on iPhone? Apple’s Genmoji tool lets you design custom emojis instantly using Apple Intelligence. Here’s how it works.

With the iOS 18.4 update, Apple has introduced a couple of new emojis, including a tired smiley with bags under its eyes. Now, there are thousands of emojis available to choose from, but if you still find that none of them match what you want to express, here’s how you can create or customise your own set of emojis using Apple Intelligence. The Unicode Standard typically controls the introduction of new emojis once a year. However, with Apple Intelligence, users can create unique emojis anytime.

Here’s how to create or customise emojis on your iPhone using Apple Intelligence and the Genmoji feature. (Pexels)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create custom emojis using Apple Intelligence on your iPhone.

How to Create Custom Emojis Using Apple Intelligence:

1. Enable Apple Intelligence

• Before you can start using Genmoji, ensure Apple Intelligence is activated on your device.

2. Access Messages

• Open the Messages app on your iPhone and enter any conversation where you’d like to use the emoji.

3. Open Emoji Keyboard

• Tap the emoji icon in the bottom-left corner of your keyboard to access the emoji options.

4. Search for Your Custom Emoji

• In the search bar, type a description of the emoji you want to create, such as “Lion in tears while smiling.”

5. Generate and Save Your Custom Emoji

• After a few moments, Apple Intelligence will generate several versions of the emoji based on your description. If you like one, tap “Add” in the top-right corner to save it to your emoji keyboard.

If someone else sends you a Genmoji, you can save it by long-pressing the emoji and selecting “Emoji Details.” The prompt used to create the emoji will appear, and you’ll have the option to download it.

Now, you no longer need to wait for the Unicode Standard to introduce new emojis. You can generate and add your own as per your emotions and requirements.

How to Enable Apple Intelligence on Your iPhone:

To start using Genmoji, make sure your smartphone is running iOS 18.4. Here's how to update and enable Apple Intelligence:

Update iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If iOS 18.4 is available, tap “Download and Install.” Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the update.

Enable Apple Intelligence: After updating to the latest iOS version, go to Settings and tap on “Apple Intelligence & Siri.” Ensure that the toggle for Apple Intelligence is switched on. This feature is usually enabled by default after the iOS update, and you may receive a notification when it’s available on your device.

Devices supporting Apple intelligence:

Genmoji is available on Apple devices equipped with Apple Intelligence, including:

• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Max
• iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip
• All iPads with an Apple Silicon chip

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