Can Older iPhones Without Face ID Use Memoji in iOS 12?

With the rollout of iOS 12, Apple introduced Memoji alongside its existing Animoji feature, leading many users to wonder if these interactive avatars work on older hardware. This article explains the technical limitations of Animoji and Memoji on iOS 12, whether devices without Face ID can create or view them, and the workarounds available for unsupported models.

Hardware Requirements for Animoji and Memoji

Creating and controlling Animoji and Memoji requires Apple's TrueDepth camera system. This specialized hardware projects and analyzes thousands of invisible dots to map facial muscle movements in real time. Because of this requirement, native Animoji and Memoji creation in iOS 12 is strictly limited to devices with Face ID:

  • iPhone X
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
  • iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)

Devices without Face ID—such as the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and their Plus variants—lack the TrueDepth sensor. Consequently, they cannot generate or track Animoji and Memoji natively on iOS 12.

What Non-Face ID Devices Can Do in iOS 12

Although devices without Face ID cannot create custom Memoji or record animated clips, they are not completely excluded from the experience.

  • Receiving Animoji and Memoji: Users with older iPhones can receive, view, and loop Animoji and Memoji sent by others in the Messages app.
  • Audio and Video Playback: Because the Messages app transmits these animations as recorded movie files (in standard video formats), older devices play them back with full motion and synchronized audio without issue.
  • Saving and Sharing: Received animations can be saved to the Camera Roll and forwarded to other contacts just like any standard video file.

It is worth noting that static "Memoji Stickers"—which allow older devices to use custom avatar stickers without facial tracking—were not introduced until iOS 13. Under iOS 12, older devices have no access to the native avatar creation interface whatsoever.

Alternatives for Older Devices

Users running iOS 12 on older hardware who want similar animated avatar capabilities must rely on third-party software. The standard front-facing cameras on older iPhones are capable of basic computer vision tracking through software alone. Apps available on the App Store, such as Bitmoji, MRRMRR, and various social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, provide facial tracking filters and 3D avatars that function without a TrueDepth camera.