Apple is planning a new Genmoji feature for iOS 27 that will fundamentally change how users create their own emojis. Instead of having to type a description each time, the system will automatically generate suitable suggestions based on the user's photo library and frequently typed phrases. This was reported by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman in his latest newsletter.
Genmoji is one of Apple's most visible intelligence features, yet it's also one of those used only sporadically in everyday life. Apple is apparently looking for ways to change that. With iOS 26, the company significantly expanded Genmoji and introduced a major functional leap. The planned update for iOS 27 takes a different approach: it aims to lower the barrier to creating a new Genmoji in the first place.
This is how the proposed Genmoji work
At the heart of the new feature is a toggle switch that appears in the keyboard settings of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. Its text precisely describes the principle: Suggested Genmoji are created from the user's own photos and frequently typed phrases. This means the system analyzes locally which motifs, people, or topics regularly appear in the user's communication and offers tailored emoji suggestions.
So, someone who frequently types about a particular pet's name might have a matching Genmoji suggested the next time they type, without having to manually open the Genmoji generator. Recurring phrases or images from the photo library can also trigger suggestions. The report doesn't specify how much context Apple considers—for example, whether a suggestion appears based on the sentence just typed or as a general keyboard recommendation.
Optional and switchable
Apple deliberately designed the feature as opt-in, meaning it can be disabled. The corresponding switch in the keyboard settings can be deactivated at any time. The company is thus responding to an obvious concern: A feature that automatically analyzes content from photos and keystrokes initially sounds like a deep intrusion into personal data.
As with previous Apple Intelligence features, the processing likely takes place locally on the device. Gurman's report makes no mention of a major image model update, suggesting that Apple will continue to rely on on-device models. This means that neither keyboard input nor photo content leaves the iPhone, which aligns with Apple Intelligence's established privacy narrative.
Genmoji as a test of Apple Intelligence acceptance
The feature is part of a larger strategy. Apple needs compelling arguments for iOS 27 that make the AI enhancements noticeable in everyday life. While a complete overhaul of the voice assistant with Gemini integration will be the most media-savvy element of the update, and the Siri refresh is also slated to launch with a beta label and auto-deleting chats, without smaller, more practical features like Genmoji suggestions, a large portion of iPhone users would remain unaffected by the AI innovations.
The difficulty lies in the details. Suggested Genmoji only make sense if the models actually understand the context. If suggestions appear arbitrary or unrelated to the current conversation, the feature will likely be quickly deactivated. However, if the models work accurately and, for example, automatically suggest a suitable Genmoji when a message mentions a birthday, that would be a concrete use case that could significantly increase the feature's adoption.
The path from iOS 18.2 to iOS 27
Genmoji debuted with iOS 18.2 as part of Apple's initial intelligence rollout. Back then, the mechanics were simple: type a short prompt, and the system would generate an emoji in the appropriate style. With iOS 26, the feature became significantly more versatile – for example, by allowing users to combine two existing emojis or to adjust hairstyles, glasses, and facial expressions after the fact.
With iOS 27, Apple shifts gears once again. Instead of creating more customization options for manual workflows, the goal is now to eliminate manual steps altogether. Users can choose to see suggestions; those who prefer can simply disable the switch.
Premiere on June 8th
The official unveiling is expected at WWDC 2026 on June 8th, when Apple first presents iOS 27. How exactly the Genmoji suggestions will work in practice will only be assessable in the first developer beta. Until then, one thing is certain: Apple continues to try to increase the accessibility of its AI features – and is transforming an optional gimmick into a suggestion that the system actively offers. (Image: Shutterstock / Stockinq)
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