close Ditch the default emoji and create your own with Genmoji in iOS 18.2 Create custom emoji on the fly. Have you ever found yourself scrolling through the emoji keyboard, frustrated that you can't find the perfect little icon to express your exact sentiment?Well, Apple has a solution for you with its latest iOS 18.2 update: Genmoji.This innovative feature allows you to create custom emoji on the fly, bringing a whole new level of personalization to your conversations. Genmoji on iPhone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What is Genmoji?Genmoji, a clever blend of "generative AI" and "emoji," is Apple's latest addition to its Apple Intelligence suite. This feature harnesses the power of on-device artificial intelligence to generate custom emoji based on your text descriptions.Whether you're looking for an "elephant riding a roller coaster" or a "frog with tap-dancing shoes," Genmoji can bring your imagination to life in emoji form.You can even create emoji based on people in your Photos app, making your digital expressions more intimate and meaningful. This level of customization allows you to convey nuanced emotions and situations that standard emoji simply can't capture. Genmoji on iPhone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IPHONE AND IPAD FROM MALWARECompatibility and availabilityIt's important to note that Genmoji is available only on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models or devices from the iPhone 16 lineup. The feature is part of the iOS 18.2 update, which Apple recently released.How to update your software to iOS 18.2 or laterFirst things first, let's update your software to iOS 18.2 or later:OpenSettings.TapGeneral.SelectSoftware Update.Tap Update Now.Enter your passcode and agree to terms.Wait for theinstallation to complete. Steps to update your iPhones software. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How to set up Image PlayGroundOpen theMessages app.Start aconversation.Tap the+ sign.ClickImage Playground.Scroll down and tapSet Up.TapDone. Steps to set up Image Playground. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How to use GenmojiUsing Genmoji is surprisingly simple:Open theMessages app.Start aconversation.Tap the emoji icon in the bottom-left corner of the keyboard.Then tap the emoji icon next to the text search bar.In the search field,describe a Genmoji you want to create, like a cat with a top hat.Wait for the AI to generate your custom emoji.Swipe through the options andselect your favorite.Tap"Add" to insert your new emoji into your message. Then, tap the up arrow.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Steps to use Genmoji. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)After seeing the results of your initial description, you can alter your Genmoji simply by changing the description in the new Genmoji screen.How to create a Genmoji using a person's photoTo create a Genmoji using a person's photo from your gallery, follow these steps:GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HEREEnsure photo taggingFirst, make sure the person you want to use is tagged in your Photos app. This is crucial for Genmoji creation. You can only use people who are already in your contacts. It works best with clear, front-facing photos where the person's face is easily visible.Open Messages.Tap theemoji keyboard.Tap theGenmoji creation icon at the top right of the keyboard.Select a personIn the "Describe a Genmoji" field, type thename of the person exactly as they are tagged in your Photos library.Tap"Choose a Person."Select theperson from your identified Photos contacts.TapDone.Customize the GenmojiAdd adescriptive context, like "Danny celebrating his 35th birthday."Swipe through thegenerated options to find the best representation.You canrefine the Genmoji by modifying the description, such as changing "Danny at birthday" to "Danny wearing a party hat."By tapping the More (or three horizontal dots) next to the Genmoji, you cancopy,share,save to stickers andadd a caption.Kurts key takeawaysGenmoji isnt just a fun new feature; its a total game-changer for how we chat with each other. You can create an emoji that perfectly captures your mood or a specific situation. How awesome is that? As we start to embrace more AI in our daily lives, Genmoji really takes our conversations up a notch, making them more personal and creative.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDo you think you'll enjoy using Genmoji, or do you find it more annoying than helpful, wishing we could just stick to plain texting? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/NewsletterFollow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com. 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