Apple News+ adds a new game that uses emoji and Genmoji to solve puzzles

Apple is enhancing its subscription news service, Apple News+, by introducing a new interactive feature: the Emoji Game. Announced on Thursday, this fresh addition aims to captivate users with a unique twist on puzzle-solving, joining a lineup that includes Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and the word game Quartiles. This initiative reflects a broader trend seen in the industry, where combining games with content has proven effective in attracting and retaining subscribers, a strategy successfully implemented by platforms like The New York Times and LinkedIn. To coincide with World Emoji Day, the Emoji Game invites players to engage in a daily challenge where they decipher phrases using emojis. The objective is to solve these puzzles in the fewest moves possible. For example, if players encounter the word "appear," they might see the letters "ap" followed by four blank spaces, prompting them to drag the emoji of a pear into the correct position. However, the puzzles are designed to be more complex, often requiring players to think abstractly or combine emojis creatively. For those who find themselves stuck, a hint is available, though using it will cost a move. Each day, multiple phrases present a new challenge, with a perfect score achieved by completing the puzzle in just six moves. Leaderboards will track players' performances, allowing them to compare their scores with friends and other users. In the forthcoming iOS 26, gamers will also have the option to challenge friends directly through the new Games app. Adding a personal touch, the Emoji Game utilizes Genmoji, Apple's custom emojis created with the assistance of their AI technology, expanding the emoji library beyond the standard offerings. For instance, players might need to use a Genmoji of a blender alongside a tomato emoji to construct the word "purée." Developed by Apple in collaboration with The Puzzle Society (now known as GoComics), the game promises to deliver a fresh puzzle experience tailored for Apple devices. It's currently available for Apple News+ subscribers in the U.S. and Canada across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, with no app update required for users on iOS 18.4 and later. In addition to the new game, the News+ subscription provides access to over 400 premium publications, audio content, local news, sports updates, and the newly added Apple News+ Food feature for recipe management.