Are There New Emojis with iOS 17? A Deep Dive for Emoji Enthusiasts

Yes, indeed! iOS 17 brought a delightful handful of new emojis to our digital vocabulary, expanding the expressive possibilities within our messaging apps and social media posts. This annual update to the Unicode Standard always brings fresh faces, objects, and symbols that quickly become mainstays in our online communication.

Decoding the Emoji Update: What’s New in iOS 17

The release of iOS 17 included support for Unicode 15.0, the latest standard approved by the Unicode Consortium. This meant a collection of brand-new emojis designed to reflect contemporary trends and evolving cultural nuances. While the number of actual distinct new emojis might seem relatively small at first glance, it’s important to remember that each can be customized with different skin tones and gender variations, leading to a much broader expansion of options.

The Key Players: Highlighted New Emojis

So, what exactly made the cut? Let’s spotlight some of the most notable additions:

• Shaking Face: Finally, an emoji that perfectly captures exasperation, disbelief, or maybe just the act of headbanging! The versatility of this emoji is immediately apparent.
• Leftward and Rightward Pushing Hands: These can be used in conjunction to give someone a high-five (sort of!), or to push things metaphorically.
• Moose: Representing the majestic creature of the north, a much-awaited addition for those of us in moose-populated regions.
• Donkey: Another welcome addition to the animal kingdom, perfect for playful banter or referencing a stubborn character (use with caution!).
• Black Bird: A symbol of mystery, introspection, or perhaps a nod to some Hitchcockian suspense.
• Goose: A slightly less majestic bird than the moose, but certainly more chaotic, and a favourite for meme lovers.
• Wing: Perfect for anything to do with flight.
• Hyacinth: A lovely floral addition, adding to the existing bouquet of digital flowers.
• Pea Pod: Representing healthy eating, gardening, or perhaps a simple fondness for peas.
• Ginger: A versatile ingredient and a symbol of flavor and spice.
• Folding Hand Fan: An elegant gesture of politeness or a signal for a cool breeze.
• Hair Pick: Celebrating natural hair and cultural identity.
• Maracas: Bringing the rhythm and a touch of Latin flair to your messages.
• Flute: For musicians, music lovers, or those simply feeling whimsical.
• Khanda: A symbol representing the Sikh faith.

Why Emoji Updates Matter

Emoji updates aren’t just about adding frivolous pictures to our phones. They’re about representation, inclusivity, and reflecting the ever-changing cultural landscape. The Unicode Consortium, the organization responsible for standardizing emojis, takes these factors very seriously. The selection process involves considering factors such as frequency of use requests, distinctiveness, and whether the potential emoji fills a significant gap in existing options. The goal is to create a library of symbols that can be used universally to express a wide range of emotions, ideas, and experiences.

Beyond the New Faces: Accessibility and Future Trends

While the introduction of new emojis is always exciting, it’s also worth noting Apple’s ongoing efforts to improve the accessibility of emojis. This includes features like voice-over support, which allows users with visual impairments to understand the meaning of emojis being used in messages and on websites.

Looking ahead, the future of emojis is likely to involve even greater personalization and customization. We may see options to create entirely new emojis based on our own faces or incorporate animated elements to make our messages even more expressive. The possibilities are truly endless.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About New iOS 17 Emojis

1. How do I get the new emojis on my iPhone?

To access the new emojis in iOS 17, you’ll need to update your iPhone’s operating system. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest version of iOS 17. Once the update is complete, the new emojis should be available in your keyboard.

2. Why can’t I see the new emojis even after updating to iOS 17?

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve display issues. Also, ensure the recipient of your messages has also updated their device to a version that supports the latest Unicode standard. If they are on an older operating system, they may see a generic box or a different emoji altogether.

3. Will I see the same emojis on Android devices?

While the Unicode Standard provides the foundation, each platform (iOS, Android, Windows, etc.) designs its own versions of the emojis. Therefore, the visual appearance of an emoji may vary slightly between devices. However, the meaning should generally be the same. Newer versions of Android also implemented Unicode 15.0, adding the same new emojis.

4. How does the Unicode Consortium decide which emojis to add?

The Unicode Consortium receives proposals for new emojis from individuals and organizations around the world. These proposals are carefully reviewed based on several criteria, including frequency of use requests, distinctiveness, and cultural relevance.

5. Can I propose a new emoji to the Unicode Consortium?

Yes, anyone can submit a proposal for a new emoji! However, the process is detailed and requires a comprehensive justification for why the proposed emoji is needed and how it meets the Unicode Consortium’s criteria.

6. Are there any copyright restrictions on using emojis?

Emojis themselves are not copyrighted. They are considered a standardized part of the Unicode character set. However, individual designs of emojis created by companies like Apple or Google are subject to copyright.

7. How do skin tone modifiers work with emojis?

Many human-like emojis offer a range of skin tone modifiers based on the Fitzpatrick scale. To use these modifiers, simply long-press on the emoji and select the desired skin tone.

8. Do all emojis support gender variations?

Not all emojis support gender variations. However, the Unicode Consortium continues to expand the number of emojis that offer male, female, and gender-neutral options.

9. Why do some emojis look different on different platforms?

As mentioned earlier, each platform designs its own versions of emojis based on the Unicode Standard. This can lead to slight differences in appearance between devices.

10. Can I use emojis in my email subject lines?

Yes, most email clients support the use of emojis in subject lines. However, keep in mind that some older email clients may not display emojis correctly, so use them judiciously.

11. Are there any tools available to help me find the right emoji?

Yes, several websites and apps offer emoji search functionality, allowing you to find the perfect emoji based on keywords or descriptions.

12. How will future emoji updates likely impact digital communication?

Future emoji updates are likely to become even more personalized and immersive. We may see options to create custom emojis based on our own likeness or incorporate animated elements to add more expressiveness to our messages. This ongoing evolution of emojis will continue to shape how we communicate and connect with each other in the digital world.