While Apple didn’t add new styles of its own this time, it did include a flexible “Any Style” option. This lets users type in a custom description for the kind of image they want, similar to how ChatGPT works. You can create an image from text or upload a photo and have it transformed into a different style. To use the ChatGPT option, you’ll need to allow your iPhone to send the image to ChatGPT’s servers.
This kind of AI-powered image generation has already become a viral trend on social media. Users are turning their selfies into Studio Ghibli characters, Funko Pop figurines, and even Muppet versions of themselves. The trend has taken off as a fun and creative way for friends to share personalized images with each other. These AI makeovers are often posted in comment threads and group chats, quickly spreading as others join in on the trend and try it for themselves.
Image Playground ChatGPT image generation asks for permission. | Image credit — PhoneArena
Image Playground ChatGPT image generation has impressive results. | Image credit — PhoneArena
There are also limits depending on the type of ChatGPT account you have. Free users will likely only be able to generate one or two images before hitting a cap. To use ChatGPT styles more often, a paid subscription is required. Apple’s on-device styles, by contrast, are unlimited and don’t rely on an internet connection.
Genmoji how it was meant to be
In addition to the ChatGPT features, Apple is also improving Genmoji in iOS 26. This tool allows you to create custom emoji by combining existing emoji or describing a new one using text prompts. The results can be saved to your emoji keyboard for use in Messages.
Image Playground Genmoji generation. | Image credit — PhoneArena
However, for iPhone users, the key difference is accessibility: these new tools are now baked into iOS 26, removing the need to download third-party apps or use external services. That convenience alone could encourage more users to experiment with these image generation ChatGPT features, especially now that they’re just a tap away.
iOS 26 is available to developers now, with a public beta coming in July. A full release is expected in September alongside new iPhone models.
Overall, adding ChatGPT styles to Image Playground gives users more room to be creative. For those who already use ChatGPT regularly, though, this might feel like a natural extension of what they can now do on their iPhone.
