Apple has finally answered iPhone users' long-standing requests for customizable emoji creation with a new feature that rivals Android's popular Emoji Kitchen. The tech giant unveiled this capability as part of iOS 26, currently in beta testing, during its Worldwide Developers Conference 2025.
Apple Intelligence Powers New Emoji Creation
The new Genmoji mixing feature leverages Apple Intelligence to combine multiple emojis and custom Genmoji into entirely new icons. Unlike Android's Emoji Kitchen, which has been available on Pixel devices for some time, Apple's implementation uses artificial intelligence to generate more sophisticated combinations. Users can blend up to six different concepts, including existing emojis and text-based prompts, to create personalized expressions that go beyond the standard emoji library.
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| This playful sloth holding a lightbulb symbolizes the new ideas and creative expressions enabled by Apple’s customizable emoji feature in iOS 26 |
Enhanced Customization Options
The feature introduces several categories of non-standard emoji elements, including themes, expressions, costumes, accessories, and places. Users can access unique items like race car helmets and flower crowns that aren't part of the traditional emoji set. The system provides suggestions automatically, but users can also manually select specific emojis through a dedicated interface accessed via the gray smiley + icon in the emoji keyboard.
iOS 26 Brings Major Design Overhaul
This emoji enhancement is part of a broader transformation in iOS 26, which represents the first major iOS redesign in 13 years. Apple has introduced a new Liquid Glass design motif inherited from the Vision Pro, creating a unified aesthetic across all Apple operating systems. The company has also adopted a year-based naming convention, with iOS 26, MacOS 26, and WatchOS 26 all sharing consistent design elements.
Device Compatibility and Availability
The Genmoji mixing feature requires an iPhone compatible with Apple Intelligence, specifically iPhone 15 Pro or newer models running iOS 26. While the beta version is currently available for testing, Apple recommends waiting for more stable releases before widespread adoption. The feature represents Apple's continued effort to differentiate its AI approach from competitors while addressing user demands for more creative expression tools.
Broader WWDC 2025 Impact
The announcement comes as part of Apple's comprehensive WWDC 2025 showcase, which included significant updates across all major operating systems. The conference highlighted Apple's strategy of taking a measured approach to AI integration, focusing on practical applications that enhance user experience rather than following industry trends blindly. With over 2.35 billion active devices worldwide, these updates will potentially reach a massive user base once officially released.
