On the occasion of World Emoji Day, the Unicode Consortium has unveiled a new batch of eight emojis set to arrive soon on iPhones and Android devices with upcoming software updates. This fresh collection is expected to be part of the Unicode 17.0 release and likely included in Apple’s iOS 26 update or a subsequent incremental version like iOS 26.1 or 26.2.
The new emojis include:
- Apple Core
- Ballet Dancers
- Distorted Face
- Fight Cloud
- Hairy Creature
- Orca
- Trombone
- Treasure Chest
Every year, the Unicode Consortium reviews and votes on new emoji suggestions, which are then adopted and adapted by major tech companies including Apple, Google, and Microsoft to fit their individual keyboard designs and operating systems.
Apple is known for customizing each new emoji to align with its design language. While Apple often introduces new emojis gradually, this batch might be part of the initial rollout of iOS 26, bringing these expressive characters to users’ fingertips to enhance digital conversations. If not included in the first release, they could arrive with an update later in the year. Meanwhile, enthusiasts eager for fresh emoji styles can create custom versions with Apple’s Genmoji feature.
On the Android side, Google is expected to integrate these emojis in the forthcoming Android 16 QPR1 update for Pixel devices, keeping both major platforms in sync on the latest emoji trends.
These additions further enrich the diversity and personality of emoji communications, offering new ways for users to express themselves across messages, social media, and more. As iOS 26 and Android 16 updates roll out in the coming months, users can look forward to these creative new symbols becoming part of everyday digital interactions.