Apple’s iOS 17 update introduces “Live Stickers,” a feature that lets you transform any photo into a custom emoji or sticker. This means you can now easily share pictures of your pets, friends, or family in Messages and other apps with the same convenience as sending standard emojis.
How It Works: From Photo to Emoji
The Live Stickers feature builds on iOS 16’s “tap-and-lift” function, which allowed users to isolate subjects from photos. Now, these cutouts can be saved directly as stickers and emojis.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open Photos: Launch the Photos app on your iPhone.
- Select Image: Choose the photo you want to convert.
- Isolate Subject: Tap and hold on the part of the photo you want to turn into a sticker. A white outline will appear when the selection is registered.
- Add Sticker: Tap “Add to Stickers.” The sticker will be automatically added to your iPhone’s sticker drawer.
You can then access your new sticker through the emoji keyboard in apps like Messages. Tapping on the sticker gives you options to customize it with effects like outlines.
Compatibility and Limitations
While Live Stickers work seamlessly within Apple’s ecosystem, compatibility with third-party apps is currently limited. Some messaging platforms like Slack do not support the feature, and the stickers may not appear in apps like TikTok.
Apple states that Live Stickers should work wherever you use emojis, but real-world testing shows inconsistencies. The feature appears optimized for use within Apple’s own apps and devices.
This update streamlines sharing personalized content, but users should be aware of potential compatibility issues when sending stickers outside of the Apple environment.
The new Live Stickers feature provides a fun and easy way to personalize digital communication, though its full potential is still tied to the Apple ecosystem.
