Apple has officially rolled out the macOS Sequoia 15.3 Developer Beta 1, bringing a host of updates to Mac computers. Among the highlights of this release is the introduction of Genmoji, an innovative feature powered by Apple Intelligence, the company’s artificial intelligence suite. With this feature, users can create personalized emojis based on prompts or likenesses of family and friends, enhancing the customization experience for Mac users.
What Is Genmoji?
Genmoji, first unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, leverages Apple’s generative AI technology to craft unique emojis. It has already been rolled out to iPhone and iPad devices in recent months and is now available for Macs through the macOS Sequoia 15.3 Developer Beta.
How to Use Genmoji on Mac
The Genmoji feature can be accessed in multiple ways:
- Via Image Playground:
- A standalone app designed for creating AI-driven images and emojis based on descriptive text prompts.
- Emoji Palette on the Keyboard:
- Accessible through the emoji keyboard, users can create emojis by entering prompts or selecting images from their photo library to generate personalized Genmojis.
Once created, these emojis can be further customized with accessories like hats, sunglasses, or themes. This allows users to add a personal touch to their emojis, making them more expressive and unique.
Where Can You Use Genmoji?
The personalized Genmojis can be integrated seamlessly into Apple’s ecosystem. They can be used as stickers or reactions in apps such as:
- Messages (inline or as Tapback reactions)
- Notes
- Keynote
macOS Sequoia 15.3 and Beyond
In addition to Genmoji, the macOS Sequoia 15.3 Developer Beta includes system improvements and bug fixes. Apple has also rolled out beta updates for its entire ecosystem, including:
- iOS 18.3
- iPadOS 18.3
- watchOS 11.3
- tvOS 18.3
- visionOS 2.3
Why Genmoji Matters
Apple’s introduction of Genmoji highlights its commitment to enhancing user creativity and personalization through cutting-edge AI technology. By integrating Genmoji into macOS, Apple offers users a fun and interactive way to express themselves while ensuring continuity across its ecosystem.
For Mac users eager to explore this feature, the macOS Sequoia 15.3 Developer Beta provides a glimpse into the future of AI-driven customization.
How do I create and use Genmoji on macOS Sequoia 15.3
How to Create and Use Genmoji on macOS Sequoia 15.3
With the introduction of Genmoji in the macOS Sequoia 15.3 developer beta, Mac users can now create personalized emoji using Apple Intelligence. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create and use Genmoji on your Mac.
What is Genmoji?
Genmoji allows users to generate custom emoji based on descriptions or images. This feature was initially launched with iOS 18.2 and is now available for Mac users, enabling creative expression in messaging and social interactions.
Steps to Create Genmoji
- Access the Emoji Picker:
- To start creating your Genmoji, open any app where you can input text, such as Notes or Messages.
- Use the keyboard shortcut Control + Command + Space to bring up the emoji picker.
- Create Your Genmoji:
- In the emoji picker, look for the option to create a new Genmoji.
- You can either describe what you want your Genmoji to look like (e.g., “a happy cat wearing sunglasses”) or use a source image from your Photos app.
- Apple Intelligence will process your input and generate several options for you to choose from.
- Customize Your Genmoji:
- Once generated, you can further customize your Genmoji by adding accessories or altering features to make it more personal.
- This customization allows you to reflect themes or activities that resonate with you or your friends.
- Insert Your Genmoji:
- After creating your Genmoji, simply click on it in the emoji picker to insert it into your message or document.
- Genmoji behaves like standard emoji, allowing you to use them inline in conversations.
Syncing Across Devices
Genmoji created on macOS Sequoia 15.3 will sync via iCloud, meaning they will also appear in the emoji picker on your iPhone and iPad if they are running compatible versions of iOS and iPadOS. This feature ensures that you can access your personalized Genmojis across all your Apple devices seamlessly.
Compatibility Requirements
To use Genmoji on macOS Sequoia 15.3, ensure that your Mac has an Apple silicon chip (M1 or later). This requirement allows the device to leverage Apple Intelligence for generating and processing these custom emojis directly on-device.
What other new features are included in macOS Sequoia 15.3
New Features in macOS Sequoia 15.3: What to Expect
The latest update, macOS Sequoia 15.3, introduces several exciting features and enhancements designed to improve user experience and productivity on Mac devices. Here’s a breakdown of the notable additions included in this update:
1. Genmoji Integration
- Custom Emoji Creation: One of the standout features in macOS Sequoia 15.3 is the introduction of Genmoji, allowing users to create personalized emojis based on text descriptions. This feature, powered by Apple Intelligence, enables users to generate unique emoji that can be used across various applications.
2. Enhanced Image Playground
- AI Image Generation: The Image Playground app has been enhanced, allowing users to generate images using AI technology. This app enables creative expression by producing images from simple text prompts, making it easier for users to visualize their ideas.
3. Improved Window Tiling
- Effortless Window Management: The window tiling feature has received updates, making it simpler for users to organize their workspace. Users can now drag windows to the edges of the screen for side-by-side arrangements, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
4. New Passwords App
- Centralized Password Management: A dedicated Passwords app has been introduced, allowing users to manage and organize their passwords, passkeys, and verification codes in one convenient location.
5. iPhone Mirroring
- Seamless Integration with iPhone: Users can now mirror their iPhone screens directly on their Mac, facilitating easier access to apps and notifications without switching devices.
6. Safari Enhancements
- Improved Browsing Experience: Safari has received several updates, including a redesigned Reader mode that offers distraction-free reading and new tools for managing bookmarks and history more efficiently.
7. Weather in the Status Bar
- Quick Weather Access: The Weather app now allows users to display current weather conditions directly in the menu bar, providing quick access to forecasts for saved locations.
8. Photos App Updates
- Organizational Features: The Photos app includes new sorting options and enhancements for managing albums, making it easier to find and organize images.
9. Accessibility Improvements
- Enhanced Support Features: New accessibility features have been added, including better voice control options and customizable font sizes across various applications.
How does Apple Intelligence power the creation of Genmoji
How Apple Intelligence Powers the Creation of Genmoji
Genmoji is a groundbreaking feature introduced by Apple that allows users to create custom emojis using Apple Intelligence. This innovative tool leverages advanced artificial intelligence to generate personalized emoji based on user descriptions or photos. Here’s how it works:
1. Generative AI Technology
Genmoji utilizes generative AI to create emojis that reflect user input. When a user types a description of what they want their emoji to look like—such as “a cat in a spacesuit”—Apple Intelligence processes this request and generates several emoji options that match the description.
2. Photo Reference Integration
In addition to text descriptions, Genmoji can create emojis based on photos stored in the user’s library. For example, if a user wants to create an emoji resembling a friend, they can use a photo of that person as a reference point. This capability enhances personalization, allowing for unique and recognizable emoji creations.
3. User-Friendly Interface
To access Genmoji, users simply tap the emoji keyboard on their iPhone or iPad running iOS 18.2. A new icon prompts them to create a new emoji, where they can enter their desired description or select a photo. The AI then presents multiple options for the user to choose from, making the process quick and intuitive.
4. Safety Features
Apple has implemented safety measures to prevent the creation of inappropriate content. If users attempt to generate emojis with descriptions that violate guidelines—such as those involving nudity or violence—the system will notify them that such emojis cannot be created.
5. Local Processing for Privacy
All Genmoji creations are processed locally on the device, ensuring that user data remains private and secure. There is no need for cloud processing, which aligns with Apple’s commitment to user privacy.
