What iPhones & iPads Work With Animoji? Here’s The Full List

Some iPhone and iPad models, but not all, can see and record Animoji, Apple’s animated Memoji characters. This super-cool effect often creates hilarious results when the user ‘wears’ and speaks through the head of a Pixar-like character such as a giraffe or a robot. Another use is for serious communication with a bit of privacy added. A surprising amount of non-verbal communication is lost in a voice-only or text-only message. Animoji allows the user to ‘appear’ on camera but without revealing the face, perhaps preserving a bit of anonymity while still being able to share facial expressions and show head movement.

Animoji is a portmanteau that blends the words ‘animated’ and ’emoji,’ and that is a reasonable basis for what the result looks like. Apple took a similar approach with Memoji, combining the words ‘me’ and ’emoji.’ These figures can be customized to resemble the user somewhat. The user can create multiple Memoji to go with different moods or just for fun, changing outfits, hats, accessories, even hairstyle and color. A library of Memoji styles can be drawn from easily and can be used as Animoji as well.

Only an iPhone or iPad with Face ID capability can record Animoji, the Memoji that are animated by the user’s facial movements. Some Apple devices have powerful enough processors to handle facial processing and live animation of a three-dimensional model but lack a TrueDepth camera. Currently, only the flagship iPhone and iPad models work with Animoji, starting with the iPhone X, XR and XS series. The iPhone 11, 12 and 13 continue to support Face ID and Animoji as well. For the tablets, only the iPad Pro line comes with Animoji support starting with the second-generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch and continuing through the current model. Every iPad Pro 11-inch model supports Animoji since it was first released alongside the second iPad Pro 12.9-inch.

Animoji For All?

When using Animoji, it looks as if the user has a Pixar-like cartoon character’s head, with facial features and head movements reflected on the 3D character, which can be any Memoji, including Apple’s extensive selection of cute animals or one the user customizes. It’s a bit disappointing that Apple reserves this feature for only its most expensive devices because everyone would love to have access to this effect. Of course, it’s always possible that Apple is treating this like an exclusive ‘Pro’ effect, but it doesn’t seem like a professional feature. If anything, it’s more likely to be used for fun.

The phones can track facial features using image sensor data alone, and Apple doesn’t need to have depth information from the TrueDepth camera to achieve this effect. On the other hand, it was made as a way to show off the technology when introduced in 2017 with the iPhone X. It could be that there hasn’t been much additional effort put into this feature beyond adding new customization options. With an Apple AR/VR headset predicted, the need for 3D avatars will be more substantial and perhaps Apple will make Animoji available on more iPhone and iPad models to invite users into a virtual chat.

Source: Apple

About The Author

Alan Truly
(1138 Articles Published)

See also  Is Phasmophobia On Xbox One

Alan is a Tech Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.

More From Alan Truly