Apple might be creating its own version of Bitmoji

There's been a lot of Snapchat-copying going on in the tech world lately, with Facebook being one of the main culprits.

But the social media giant isn't alone. Another tech juggernaut appears to be cribbing from the ephemeral messaging app, as well. On Monday, Apple was granted a patent for an "avatar editing environment" that looks a lot like Bitmoji, the popular app from Snapchat-owned Bitstrips. 

The patent document, which was first picked up by Mic, says this theoretical product would allow users to create custom avatars for "online games and other applications." Starting with a blank face, users can add, rescale and resize features like eyes, a nose and a mouth. They can also modify face shapes and skin color and will be able to choose whether to create the avatar automatically or manually.  Read more...