Podcast Summary: Hands-On Apple 203 – Creating Genmoji on Mac

Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
Host: Micah Sargent
Episode: Hands-On Apple 203: Creating Genmoji on Mac
Date: October 9, 2025
Duration: ~13 minutes

Episode Overview

In this episode of Hands-On Apple, host Micah Sargent explores the updated Genmoji feature in macOS 26, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18. The episode focuses on how Apple’s new AI-powered "Genmoji" function enables users to creatively generate custom emoji using combinations of existing emoji and text prompts, all processed locally on device. Micah covers the major new features, provides live demonstrations, and offers practical tips and observations about Genmoji’s quirks and possibilities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Genmoji and Apple Intelligence

[02:00]

• Micah introduces Genmoji, part of Apple’s AI suite, highlighting it as a feature “some of you will love, some of you will hate, and the others of you will secretly love but not talk about.”
• Genmoji leverages on-device AI, specifically trained on Apple’s emoji style, for privacy and responsiveness.

2. Accessing Genmoji in Messages

[03:10]

• To create a Genmoji: In Messages, tap the "+" icon and select “Genmoji” to access the creation interface.
• Clarifies that Genmoji generation is local to the device (“not sent off to the cloud”) for privacy.

3. The New Combination Feature

[03:41]

• Users can now combine multiple emoji or merge emoji with text prompts to generate unique Genmoji.

• Example: Trying to blend the “lightning bolt” and “see-no-evil monkey” emoji to express fear during a storm.

  “Now, the first option, not what I was looking for and in fact shows the lightning bolt over the top of the monkey. The second one is a little freaky.”
  — Micah Sargent [05:00]

• Micah notes the generative AI occasionally produces unexpected (and sometimes odd) results, such as an “Ouroboros monkey.”

4. Combining Emoji and Descriptive Text

[06:10]

• You can enhance generated emoji by typing in descriptive text alongside emoji selection.

• Example: Combining a "woman" emoji, a "microphone" emoji, and the text “sequined jacket” to invite friends to karaoke.

  “So what we’ve done here is we have taken the combination of two emoji plus a text phrase... And that’s much better. So now we can add this emoji and use that in our messages.”
  — Micah Sargent [07:09]

• Acknowledges some beta quirks (“for some reason... is not showing up”) but eventually demos the output.

5. Using People from Your Photos Library

[08:08]

• Genmoji can now customize generated emoji with hairstyles and facial hair, drawing inspiration from people identified in your Photos library.

• The system can recognize faces in Photos and let you “map out a profile,” adding personal touches to Genmoji.

  “You would go down and click on the little icon that shows a person next to the describe a genmoji area... and that will add it to the mix.”
  — Micah Sargent [08:54]

• Note: Micah’s demo account didn’t have people available, but he explains the process clearly.

6. Expressions: New Customization Option

[09:18]

• Users can now specify emotional expressions (e.g., “happy,” “shocked,” “angry”) for Genmoji.

• Example: Trying to make an “angry tractor” Genmoji.

  “We’ve got a red tractor...and the hubcap...is an angry emoji. The second one is silly... but I do like the first one, so I think it’s a win with that first one where the hubcap is replaced with an angry image.”
  — Micah Sargent [10:51]

7. Quirks, Surprises, and Closing Thoughts

[11:15]

• Micah points out the fun unpredictability of Genmoji’s AI, sometimes producing “odd results,” but encourages experimentation.
• Wraps up with a tease for more Mac updates next week (“We will return to our series covering updates to Spotlight”).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On AI-Generated Creativity:

  “Sometimes this stuff is going to give you odd results. Sometimes it will not give you a result that you want at all. That’s kind of part of the experience of using this generative AI system.”
  — Micah Sargent [11:54]

• On Real-World Usefulness:

  “Making little emoji, that can be fun...”
  — Micah Sargent [02:48]

• On Beta Software Bugs:

  “And we love when the betas or the new software is giving us issues. There we go. So now you can see, here’s our little emoji…”
  — Micah Sargent [07:45]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:00] – Introduction to Genmoji and Apple Intelligence update
• [03:10] – Accessing and launching Genmoji in Messages
• [03:41] – Demonstrating the new emoji combination feature
• [06:10] – Adding descriptive text to Genmoji creations
• [08:08] – Customizing Genmoji using people from Photos library
• [09:18] – Setting expressions and moods for Genmoji
• [11:15] – Reflections on Genmoji’s quirks and the fun of experimentation

Summary Flow & Tone

Micah maintains a light, friendly, and informal tone throughout, peppering the episode with humor and real-time reactions to Genmoji’s unpredictability. The episode is hands-on, focused on practical usage, and empathetic to users navigating new tech (“I don’t know about you, but for me…”). It’s both informative and entertaining, making even the quirks of AI not just tolerable, but enjoyable.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Genmoji on Mac and Apple devices now allows users to combine emojis and descriptions for more expressive, personalized messaging.
• The feature remains local and privacy-focused, harnessing on-device intelligence.
• Results can be unpredictable but are often amusing—experimenting is encouraged!
• Integration with personal photos and new expressions adds depth and flexibility.
• Micah will continue the series with more coverage on other macOS features in upcoming episodes.

This summary captures the key content and energy of the episode while skipping over ads and non-substantive segments. Perfect for those seeking a thorough, lively understanding of the latest Apple Genmoji features on Mac.