How to Make Your Own Emoji on iOS 26?

Emojis have become an essential part of digital communication, allowing people to express emotions, reactions, and ideas instantly without words. From casual chats to professional messaging, emojis make conversations more fun, relatable, and visually engaging.

With iOS 26, Apple has taken emoji customization to the next level. The latest version introduces powerful tools that let you create personalized emojis that reflect your style, mood, or personality. Whether you want to represent yourself, your pet, or even a fictional character, iOS 26 makes it easier than ever.

Two standout ways to create custom emojis in iOS 26 are:

• Genmoji: An AI-powered emoji creation tool that generates emojis based on your text prompts, combinations of existing emojis, or even your photos.
• Memoji: Apple’s classic customizable avatar system, now enhanced with more hairstyles, expressions, and accessories, letting you craft lifelike and animated stickers.

These tools, combined with iOS 26’s improved sticker packs and integration with Messages and FaceTime, provide a seamless experience for anyone looking to make their chats more expressive and unique.

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What You Need to Create Emojis on iOS 26

Before you start making your own emojis on iOS 26, it’s helpful to know what tools and requirements are needed to get the best results:

1. A Compatible iPhone
   • To use Genmoji, your device must support Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro or newer).
   • Older iPhones can still use Memoji and custom sticker creation, but Genmoji requires the latest hardware.
2. iOS 26 Installed
   • Make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 26 to access all the latest emoji customization features, including enhanced Memoji, Genmoji, and Sticker Maker improvements.
3. Apple Intelligence Enabled
   • Go to Settings → Siri & Search → Apple Intelligence and make sure it is turned on.
   • This enables AI-powered features like Genmoji and smart suggestions for creating emojis.
4. Supported Apps
   • Emojis can be created and used in apps such as Messages, Notes, Mail, and later used in social media apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat.
5. Optional: Photos for Custom Emojis
   • If you want to create photo-based Genmojis or stickers, ensure the person or pet is named in your Photos library for better AI recognition.

Pro Tip: Having a clear, well-lit photo and experimenting with descriptive text prompts will give you more precise and creative emoji results.

With these tools and settings ready, you can fully explore the emoji creation features in iOS 26, from AI-generated Genmojis to fully customizable Memojis and photo-based stickers.

Also Read: New iPhone Update Features – iOS 26

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How to Make Your Own Emoji on iOS 26 Using Genmoji

In iOS 26, Apple has introduced the Genmoji feature as part of Apple Intelligence, allowing you to create your very own custom emojis. This feature works in apps like Messages, Notes, and Mail on supported devices, giving you a fun way to personalize your chats and messages.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own emoji:

1. Access the Genmoji Keyboard

Before you can create a Genmoji, you need to open the keyboard in a supported app:

1. Open a text field in apps like Messages, Notes, or Mail.
2. Tap the emoji icon on your keyboard to switch to the emoji keyboard.
3. Look for the Genmoji icon, which appears as a multi-colored smiley face with a plus sign in the top-right corner of the keyboard.
4. Tap it to open the Genmoji panel, where all creation tools are available.

Tip: If you don’t see the Genmoji icon, make sure your iPhone supports Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro or newer) and that your Siri language and region are set correctly.

2. Create Your Genmoji

Once inside the Genmoji panel, you have several creative ways to make a custom emoji:

a) Describe it with Text

• Type a description of the emoji you want (e.g., “a sleepy dog under a blanket” or “a nervous broccoli”).
• Apple Intelligence will generate multiple emoji options based on your text.
• You can refine your description to get more precise results.

Pro Tip: Use descriptive words like “happy,” “shocked,” or “cartoon-style” to control the look and expression of your Genmoji.

b) Combine Existing Emojis

• Mix and match up to seven existing emojis to create a new one.
• Example: Combine 😅 (grin with sweat) + 🏈 (football) → a new sports-fan emoji.
• You can also combine emojis with a text description for more creative results.

Why this is useful: It allows you to create unique hybrid emojis that aren’t available in the standard emoji set.

c) Use a Photo

• Select a person, pet, or object from your Photos library to generate a Genmoji.
• You must have named the person/pet in Photos for better AI recognition.
• After selection, you can customize the Genmoji:
  • Change facial expressions
  • Modify hairstyles or facial hair
  • Add eyewear or accessories

Pro Tip: Use a clear, well-lit photo to get the best results. You can create Genmojis for family members, friends, or even your pet!

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3. Refine and Save Your Genmoji

After generating your Genmoji, you can:

1. Swipe to see different variations, expressions, and styles.
2. Tap “Add” or “Done” to save it.
3. Your Genmoji will now appear in your stickers library, ready to use in messages, as tapbacks, or in other apps that support stickers.

Extra Tips:

• You can update your Genmoji anytime by opening the panel again and editing it.
• Save multiple versions for different moods or occasions.
• Use Genmoji in FaceTime reactions and Memoji stickers for added personalization.

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Important Notes

• Device Compatibility: Genmoji requires Apple Intelligence and is available on iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
• Language & Region: Ensure Siri’s language and region settings match supported locales for full functionality.
• Advanced Creation: For more advanced image-based emoji generation, use Image Playground, which integrates with Genmoji.
• Cross-Platform Use: When sent to devices without Genmoji support, the emoji may appear as a sticker or static image rather than a dynamic Genmoji.

By following these steps, you can create highly personalized, expressive emojis on iOS 26 and bring your conversations to life.

Next-Level Tip: Experiment with combining text, emojis, and photos to make funny, unique, or completely original emojis — something your friends won’t have yet!

Also Read: Pouzdro Matt Pro iPhone 17 Air Modré – Best Blue Matte Cases for Your iPhone Air

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Method 2: Using Memoji on iOS 26

Memoji has been around for a few years, but iOS 26 brings more customization options and smoother integration with apps like Messages and FaceTime. Here’s how to create one:

Steps to Create a Memoji

1. Open Messages
   • Start a new conversation or open an existing chat.
2. Tap Memoji Stickers → New Memoji
   • The Memoji icon is usually next to the text input field.
   • Tap “+ New Memoji” to start creating your own.
3. Customize Your Memoji
   • Facial Features: Adjust eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and more.
   • Hair: Choose hairstyle, color, and highlights.
   • Skin: Pick skin tone, freckles, blush, or other details.
   • Accessories: Add glasses, hats, earrings, piercings, or headwear.
   • Expressions: iOS 26 allows more natural facial expressions and emotions.
4. Use Your Memoji
   • Memoji stickers can be sent in Messages, used in FaceTime reactions, or even exported to social media apps.

Differences in iOS 26

• Compared to older versions (iOS 13–25):
  • More hairstyles, accessories, and makeup options.
  • Smoother animations for stickers and expressions.
  • Better integration with tapbacks, reactions, and Apple apps.

Pro Tip: Experiment with subtle expressions like winks, raised eyebrows, or smirks — these add personality and make your Memoji stand out.

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Method 3: Custom Emoji Stickers from Photos (iOS 26)

iOS 26 introduces improvements to Sticker Maker, letting you turn your photos into emojis or stickers.

Steps to Create Emoji Stickers from Photos

1. Open Photos App
   • Select the photo you want to turn into a sticker.
2. Use “Create Sticker” Feature
   • Tap the Share icon → Choose Create Sticker.
   • iOS automatically detects the subject (person, pet, or object).
3. Crop or Cut Out the Subject
   • Adjust the cropping area if needed to focus on the subject.
   • Add borders, shadows, or effects if desired.
4. Save and Use Your Sticker
   • The new sticker is saved in your stickers library.
   • You can use it in Messages, Notes, Mail, or social media.

New/Improved Features in iOS 26

• Smarter subject recognition for precise cutouts.
• Better edge detection for pets, objects, and people.
• Easier integration with Messages and sticker packs.

Pro Tip: Use a bright, high-contrast photo for cleaner sticker edges and better overall results.

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Alternative Methods (For Older iOS Versions)

If you’re not on iOS 26, there are still ways to create emojis or stickers:

a) Memoji Only

• Available from iOS 13+.
• Limited customization compared to iOS 26 (fewer hairstyles, accessories, and expressions).
• Works well in Messages but lacks AI-generated features like Genmoji.

b) Third-Party Emoji Apps

• Apps like Bitmoji, ZMoji, Emoji Me are compatible with older iOS versions.
• Steps:
  1. Download the app from the App Store.
  2. Create your avatar using app tools.
  3. Export emojis or stickers to your keyboard or apps.

Differences vs iOS 26

• Older iOS + third-party apps: Limited AI customization, fewer expression options.
• iOS 26 Genmoji/Memoji integration allows native emojis, better animation, and smoother app compatibility.

Pro Tip: For older iPhones, using third-party apps is the best way to mimic Genmoji-like customization.

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Where You Can Use Your Custom Emojis

Once you’ve created your Genmoji, Memoji, or custom photo stickers, you can use them in a variety of apps and platforms:

• Messages: Send your custom emojis directly in iMessage chats or use them as tapbacks to react to messages.
• WhatsApp: Export your stickers and use them in WhatsApp conversations.
• Instagram & Snapchat: Add your custom emojis as stickers in stories, reels, or DMs.
• Email: Insert your personalized emoji images in emails for a fun, informal touch.

Pro Tips:

• Use keyboard shortcuts to quickly insert frequently used custom emojis.
• Keep your emojis organized in your sticker library for faster access.
• Compatibility note: Custom emojis may appear as static images on older iOS versions or Android devices, but they still convey your intended expression.

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Tips for Better Emoji Creation

To make your custom emojis look professional and expressive:

• Keep it simple and recognizable: Avoid cluttered designs; clear shapes and expressions work best.
• Experiment with expressions and styles: Play with emotions, accessories, and exaggerated expressions for more fun.
• Sync across devices via iCloud: Make sure your emojis and stickers are available on all your Apple devices.
• Refresh frequently: iOS 26 adds new customization options and stickers over time — revisit your creations to see new possibilities.
• Combine methods: Use Genmoji, Memoji, and custom photo stickers together to create unique emoji sets that reflect different moods and situations.

Also Read: How to Put the Clock Behind the Wallpaper iOS 26

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What’s New in iOS 26 Emoji Customization?

iOS 26 brings several exciting updates for emoji lovers:

• Genmoji: The new AI-powered feature allows you to generate custom emojis from text descriptions, photo inputs, or by combining multiple emojis. It’s like having a personal emoji designer right on your iPhone.
• Enhanced Memoji Options: iOS 26 expands Memoji’s customization possibilities, including new hairstyles, accessories, and facial expressions, making your avatars more lifelike and expressive than ever.
• Seamless App Integration: Custom emojis and stickers can now be used effortlessly in Messages, FaceTime, Notes, Mail, and social media apps, making them more versatile across your device.
• Photo-to-Emoji Conversion: You can now transform any photo into a sticker or emoji directly in iOS 26 using the improved Sticker Maker, adding a personal touch to your conversations.

With these features, iOS 26 makes creating, customizing, and sharing emojis simpler, smarter, and far more fun than ever before.

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Conclusion

Creating custom emojis on iOS 26 lets you express yourself in a more personal, fun, and creative way. From AI-powered Genmojis to enhanced Memojis and photo-based stickers, iOS 26 gives you multiple tools to make your chats stand out.

Don’t be afraid to experiment — mix and match styles, combine text prompts with photos, and explore the full potential of Apple’s emoji customization features.

“Start creating your own emojis today and make your chats more fun, lively, and uniquely yours!”

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