Apple Launches Genmoji at WWDC

June 11, 2024

To gain an edge in the AI arena, Apple has launched Apple Intelligence in iOS 18, where they introduced Genmoji. This Genmoji will remove the limitations of standard Apple emojis and allow users to create emoji characters from practically anything. Apple says it helps users find the correct emojis to express the moment.

In WWDC 2024, Apple announced that with Apple Intelligence, people will be able to generate Genmoji using keyword prompts and create a Genmoji from contact photos. Here are some examples from Apple showing how it is possible to create your own emojis directly from keyword prompts.

Example of Creating Genmoji via Keyword Prompts :::

Here is a Genmoji example via keyword prompts presented at WWDC 2024, where they asked for a 'T-Rex wearing a tutu and riding a surfboard' and received quick Genmoji results, along with different options.

There are some more examples of Genmoji generated via keyword prompts:

3 Examples of Creating Genmoji via Keyword Prompts from 2024

Smiley relaxing wearing cucumbers

Lox bagel

Squirrel DJ

Example of Creating Genmoji from Contact Photos

To give a more personal touch to Genmojis, there is also an option to use photos to create a Genmoji of your contacts. By using saved images from your photo library, you'll be able to create something like this: select the person and write a prompt like 'Race car driver,' and it will present you with the result along with other options.

People are sharing Genmoji

People can share these Genmoji as stickers, in messages, or as reactions.

After the launch of Genmoji at WWDC 2024, it started trending on Google within minutes.

History of Emojis

1. Emoticons

Emoticons are combinations of keyboard characters used to represent facial expressions and convey emotions in text-based communication.

They were created to add emotional context to plain text messages and help to express feelings that might otherwise be lost in written words.

Examples of Emoticons:

:) for a happy face

:( for a sad face

;) for a winking face

:-D for a laughing face

:-P for a playful or teasing face

2. Rise of Emoji

Comparison of emoji designs from 1997 (SoftBank), 1999 (Docomo), and 2018 (Apple), showing evolution for various icons such as a coffee cup, a heart, and a mountain.

A Japanese mobile operator, Shigetaka Kurita, created the first emoji in 1999, designing a set of 176 12x12 pixel images for NTT DoCoMo. But emojis gained global popularity in the 2010s with adoption by major mobile operators like iOS and Android.

Apple included an emoji keyboard in its iOS 5 update in 2011, making it easily accessible to millions of iOS users.

After this emoji revolution, Emoji became a universal language that enables people from different cultures to communicate emotions and ideas more effectively.

3. Google's Emoji Kitchen

Combination of a shocked face + panda, and get a result panda face with wide eyes

Google Emoji Kitchen was introduced by Google in February 2020 as part of the Gboard keyboard app. It allows users to combine two different emojis and create a new, unique emoji. It's like a mocktail of emojis.

With emoji mashup, Google also suggests other combination possibilities with different emojis. It's not just available on Gboard; people can also use the web version to generate emoji combinations. Try it now!

4. Microsoft Copilot Emojis

Merging a smiley and a cringe emoji in Microsoft's Copilot

Microsoft introduced Copilot in 2023. It’s an AI assistant in Microsoft 365 apps that helps users with tasks, including suggesting the right emojis.

Copilot allows users to write prompts, and according to the prompts, it will generate the results and present them in different options. Users can also customize the results and download them.

5. Custom Emojis on Discord

Custom Emojis of 7Span Discord server

Discord, a popular platform for gamers and online communities, has allowed custom emojis since it started in May 2015. Users can upload images and GIFs to create their own emojis and stickers on their servers and share them with server members. This makes communication more personal and fun.

Custom emojis play a significant role in building online communities on Discord. Which creates a sense of belonging and makes interactions more lively and engaging.

6. Genmoji

Three iPhones with different Genmoji on them

In WWDC 2024, Apple introduced their Apple Intelligence, which allows users to generate custom emojis based on keyword prompts. These custom emojis, called 'Genmoji,' can be shared as stickers, in messages, or as reactions.

The emoji world keeps growing and enhancing users' digital communication by allowing more accurate and personal expressions of emotions and ideas.