AllYouCanTech

Latest Additions of Genmoji in iOS 26: What You Can Anticipate

**Genmoji Enhancements in iOS 26: Advancing Custom Emoji Development**

Genmoji, a feature introduced in December 2023 with iOS 18.2, has gained popularity among iPhone users keen on designing personalized emojis. With the anticipated rollout of iOS 26, Apple is poised to upgrade Genmoji with a range of new features, making it simpler and more adaptable for users to convey their emotions through bespoke emojis.

### New Functionalities in iOS 26

The recent enhancements to Genmoji focus on broadening its capabilities and refining user interaction. Below are the primary new functionalities:

– **Personalized Expressions**: Users can now incorporate specific expressions into their Genmoji, enabling a more individualized feel. Whether desiring a surprised, joyful, or fatigued Genmoji, this feature allows for enhanced emotional nuance.

– **Adjustment of Physical Features**: Users can alter the physical attributes of Genmoji to reflect real people, including changes to hairstyle, facial hair, and glasses. This upgrade facilitates a more precise depiction of actual individuals.

– **Emoji Blending**: The newly introduced blending feature allows users to fuse existing emojis to craft unique Genmoji. For instance, combining a sloth with a lightbulb can humorously illustrate a slow comprehension of a joke.

– **Image Playground Integration**: Genmoji can now be designed directly within the Image Playground app, in conjunction with existing categories like Animation, Illustration, and Sketch. This integration streamlines the custom emoji creation process.

### Conclusion

The enhancements in iOS 26 build upon the groundwork laid in iOS 18, providing users with greater artistic liberty and customization choices. While these modifications may not captivate those who were previously indifferent to Genmoji, they undeniably improve the experience for current users. With the capacity to generate more expressive and tailored emojis, Genmoji remains an enjoyable addition to Apple’s repertoire of features.

Heightened Output of Apple Chips in the US as TSMC Grows Arizona Operations

**Increased Production of Apple Chips in the US: TSMC Expedites Building of Arizona Facilities**

TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) is accelerating the development of its second and third chip manufacturing facilities in Arizona, honoring a pledge made earlier this year. This endeavor is a part of a larger initiative to enhance the output of Apple chips within the United States, in line with the objectives of the US CHIPS Act aimed at strengthening domestic semiconductor production.

**‘Made in the USA’ Apple Chips**

Apple’s venture into manufacturing ‘Made in the USA’ chips commenced in 2022, representing a notable development in the semiconductor industry. The strategy includes the establishment of several TSMC sites in Arizona, with a segment of the production allocated to Apple’s chip requirements. Traditionally, TSMC has assigned its most advanced chip production capabilities to Taiwan, which restricted the US facilities to generating chips for older Apple products. However, new information suggests that TSMC is hastening its schedule, permitting the production of chips for devices that are roughly three generations old, as opposed to the previously estimated four to five years.

In April, TSMC initiated the construction of its third US facility, with Apple CEO Tim Cook expressing pride in being the inaugural customer for this site. A recent look into the first Arizona plant highlighted the advancements being made in this ambitious venture.

**TSMC Fast-Tracking Construction of US Facilities**

As reported by Nikkei Asia, TSMC has declared that it will accelerate the construction of its Arizona facilities by several quarters to satisfy the growing demand for smartphone and AI computing chips from US clients. TSMC Chairman and CEO C.C. Wei indicated that once completed, around 30% of the company’s 2-nanometer and more cutting-edge chip capacity will reside in Arizona, creating a leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing hub in the United States.

Initially, there were concerns regarding the importance of US chip production, as raw chips constitute only one step in the total manufacturing cycle. Apple’s chips are fundamentally assemblies of various chips that undergo a phase known as “packaging.” The initial plan included transporting US-produced chips back to Taiwan for this process, leading some analysts to doubt the practicality of the Arizona facility. However, TSMC has since vowed to create its own chip-packaging facilities in the US, with two such sites presently in the planning stages.

This tactical shift not only boosts the domestic manufacturing capabilities of Apple chips but also aids in the broader aim of diminishing reliance on foreign semiconductor production, thus fortifying the US technology supply chain.

Apple News+ Unveils Cutting-Edge ‘Emoji Game’ for iOS 18.4 and Beyond

### Apple Unveils the Emoji Game for Apple News+ Puzzles

Apple is enhancing its Apple News+ Puzzles collection with an innovative game that utilizes the global language of emoji. The Emoji Game, which was first revealed during WWDC as part of iOS 26, is now accessible to all iPhone users operating iOS 18.4 and newer, along with iPadOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4.

#### Game Overview

The Emoji Game invites players to complete short phrases by filling in the blanks with a variety of emoji, striving to do so in the fewest moves possible. Participants can share their results via Game Center, Messages, Mail, and other apps. The game is also set to integrate with the upcoming Apple Games app, slated for release later this year alongside iOS 26.

Leveraging Apple Intelligence and a feature known as Genmoji, the game introduces unique emoji characters that extend beyond typical Unicode emoji. This infuses new excitement into the gameplay experience.

#### How It Works

As noted by Apple, the Emoji Game challenges players to finalize three short phrases, each providing a clue that can be uncovered at the expense of a move. Players can monitor their performance on Game Center leaderboards or share their scores with friends and family across various platforms. Subscribers will find daily and archived puzzles in the Puzzles section of the Apple News app. Additionally, Apple News+ subscribers will be able to access the Emoji Game via the Apple Games app this fall.

#### Integration with Apple News+

The Emoji Game joins an array of other puzzle games offered on Apple News+, encompassing crossword puzzles, crossword mini, Quartiles, and sudoku. Lauren Kern, editor-in-chief of Apple News, remarked, “Emoji Game is an ideal addition to the Apple News+ collection of word and number puzzles, transforming the emoji we utilize daily into a fun and approachable brainteaser.”

New puzzles will be made available each day, and the game is currently accessible in the U.S. and among English-speaking users in Canada. Apple News+ costs $12.99 monthly and can be shared with up to five individuals as part of the Apple One Premier bundle for $37.95 each month.

#### Discoverability Challenges

Even with the thrilling debut of the Emoji Game, questions arise about the visibility of these puzzles within the Apple News+ app. A significant number of subscribers might not realize that their subscription encompasses access to daily puzzles, which can be found under the “Following” tab. Suggestions have been made for Apple to improve the user experience by enabling customization of the tab layout to incorporate a dedicated “Puzzles” tab.

As Apple works toward establishing a comprehensive set of daily games and puzzles, it aims to compete with established players such as The New York Times. The forthcoming Games app may facilitate the discoverability of these features, simplifying user engagement with the puzzles.

#### Conclusion

The launch of the Emoji Game signifies an exciting advancement in Apple’s gaming offerings, creating an enjoyable and engaging method for users to interact with emoji while testing their puzzle-solving capabilities. With daily enhancements and integration into the wider Apple ecosystem, the Emoji Game is set to become a preferred choice among Apple News+ subscribers.

CIRP Report: AirPods Gain Market Share Even With Overall Market Growth Stagnation

**AirPods: An Examination of Their Market Standing and Current Trends**

A recent analysis from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) shows that although AirPods remain the frontrunners in the wireless earbuds segment for iPhone users, Apple could be encountering difficulties with diminishing growth.

### From 59% to 57%, and Then Back Up

The analysis reveals that 44% of iPhone users currently own Bluetooth earbuds, marking a modest rise from 41% last year and 39% the year before. Out of these users, 59% have AirPods, which is a 2% uptick from last year but aligns with the same percentage recorded in 2023. This indicates that while Apple has reclaimed some market share, overall growth has plateaued over the last two years. Around 1 in 4 iPhone users utilize AirPods, suggesting potential market opportunities that Apple has not yet fully explored.

### Recent Discounts: Inventory Management or Tactical Initiative?

Notably, recent substantial discounts on AirPods during Amazon Prime Day were echoed by retailers like Best Buy and Walmart. AirPods Pro 2 were listed at $149, a significant drop from the typical price of $249. Though these discounts weren’t directly initiated by Apple, they might have been strategically arranged to enhance sales for one of two reasons:

1. There is speculation that Apple and Amazon are looking to clear AirPods inventory in anticipation of a new model launch.
2. Both entities may simply be aiming to boost sales volume, using their margin flexibility to provide competitive pricing.

The analysis further emphasizes that as the iPhone upgrade cycle extends, AirPods offer Apple a chance to capitalize on a product line that evolves more swiftly. AirPods are commonly reordered on platforms like Amazon, whether to substitute lost items or to upgrade older models.

### Conclusion

While AirPods retain their position as the premier wireless earbuds for iPhone users, market dynamics indicate that Apple must address challenges related to growth and competition. The recent pricing tactics may indicate a proactive strategy to maintain sales momentum within a competitive environment.