Apple Introduces Customized Emojis with AI in iOS 18.2

Apple is enhancing its iPhones with more features powered by artificial intelligence (AI) just in time for the holiday shopping season. With the recent update to the iPhone's operating system, iOS 18.2, users now have the ability to create customized emojis in just a few seconds.

This update, released on Wednesday, marks Apple's continuing move into AI technology, following in the footsteps of competitors like Samsung and Google, who introduced similar technologies on their devices months earlier. The latest update builds on a previous release from late October, signaling a significant shift towards a new era of AI for Apple products, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Introducing Genmojis

One of the standout features of iOS 18.2 is "Genmojis," which allows users to create personalized emojis through a quick request using the updated AI technology. Apple has implemented certain restrictions to ensure that the emojis generated are appropriate and do not promote violence or hatred. In addition to Genmojis, the update includes an "Image Playground" where users can explore various AI-generated illustrations, writing tools, and email summarization options.

Device Compatibility and Market Impact

It is important to note that the new AI features will only work on iPhones released in or after 2023, as they require a special processor unavailable in older models. The updated technology is compatible with the iPhone 16 models that were launched in September, as well as the premium iPhone 15 versions released the previous year.

This exclusivity is anticipated to encourage a surge in iPhone upgrades throughout the holiday season, boosting Apple's profits beyond the incredible US$94 billion earned during the last financial year, which ended in September. As a result, Apple's stock has risen by around 30% to date this year, bringing the company's market value closer to the US$4 trillion milestone.

Expanding AI for Global Users

Apple is also expanding the appeal of its AI tools by adding English language versions customized for users in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK. This update aims to make the new features more accessible and enjoyable for users across different regions.

Apple, AI, Emojis