You can now customize your iPhone's Memoji. Here's how it works – CNET

Apple’s new way to customize your Memoji avatar is now available with the release of iOS 13. The update now includes more skin colors, new makeup, accessories, piercings and even the ability to customize your teeth. Apple is also letting you use Memoji in brand-new ways. The improved Memoji avatars are already baked into the new iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Max Pro.

Memoji is one more way Apple is trying to personalize your device, while also standing out from rivals. While Samsung phones have AR Emoji avatars you can create, the 3D renderings initially creeped us out and Samsung barely mentioned the feature when it launched its Galaxy S10 phones. Google hasn’t come out with its own Memoji competitor, though standalone apps, like Bitmoji, are still popular for iPhone and Android.

Read on for all the details of what you can do with Memojis.

Where you can use Apple’s Memoji?

Memoji can be used in the Messages and Mail apps, as well as your other favorite apps.

Read: How to create your own Memoji

All the ways you can customize Memoji

With iOS 13, you have more options for skin colors, hair designs, facial hair and makeup. There are different tabs you can move between to access each category (skin, hairstyle, eyes and so on). From each tab, use the slider to adjust the skin, hair and makeup colors. 

You’ll also notice more accessories options, like hats, glasses, AirPods, earrings, braces and piercings. Customize your teeth by giving your Memoji a gap, a missing tooth and even a metal grill.

What are Memoji stickers?

Instead of using emojis when you’re messaging your friends, you can use your personalized Memoji stickers. Once you design your Memoji, your iPhone ($999 at Amazon) will automatically create a sticker pack for you to use.

Where you can find your Memoji stickers

When you’re in the Messages app, Mail app or other apps, you’ll tap the icon of the globe to access your Emoji. From there, you’ll swipe left on your emoji keyboard to see all your Memoji stickers.

Where do I go to personalize my Memoji?

In your Messages app, tap the Animoji icon and then tap the plus icon to create your Memoji.

When will I see this new update?

You’ll have to update to iOS 13 — make sure you back up your phone first.

Is the Memoji update available on all iPhones?

As long as your device has an A9 chip or later, you can use it — this means you must have an iPhone 6S or later, or a fifth-generation iPad.

Originally published earlier this year. Updated to add availability with the iOS 13 update.