Apple is planning to make Genmoji a lot more visible, and harder to ignore in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. They will achieve this by turning it into a system-wide suggestion tool. The tool learns from how you type and what’s in your Photos library.
According to Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter, the update will introduce Suggested Genmoji, which works a bit like the existing emoji suggestions in the Messages keyboard. However, the difference is that instead of only pulling from standard emoji, Apple will actively generate Genmoji options based on phrases you type and visual context from your Photos.
So, for example, if you type something like a reaction in Messages, iOS could surface a custom Genmoji that matches the tone. It could even generate one inspired by people, objects, or moments it recognises in your photo library. This is a clear push to make Apple’s custom emoji system feel less like a creative tool you have to dig for. Instead, it should feel more like something that just appears when you need it.
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The move also signals Apple’s ongoing effort to boost engagement with its Apple Intelligence features. In which they haven’t exactly taken off since launching in 2024. Genmoji in particular has struggled to move beyond novelty status, despite Apple’s claims of strong adoption.
With iOS 27, that approach seems to be shifting from “let users create” to “just suggest it for them.” The idea is simple: reduce friction, increase usage.
That said, Apple isn’t forcing it on everyone. Users will reportedly be able to switch off Suggested Genmoji entirely through a toggle. This will remove the feature from the keyboard experience if they prefer a cleaner setup.
This update also builds on earlier improvements to Genmoji. In iOS 26, Apple added more flexible prompt controls, letting users create expressions like “shocked” or “sleepy.” While it also support physical traits such as hairstyles, glasses, and accessories. In addition, Apple also improved the underlying AI model for better image quality. It also expanded Genmoji into Tapback reactions.
The bigger picture here is Apple slowly turning Genmoji from a niche creative feature into something baked into everyday messaging.
We’re expected to see iOS 27 officially announced at WWDC 2026 in June. At the event, Apple will likely show how deeply it plans to weave AI-generated content into the core iPhone experience.
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