Apple users will gain access to eight new emoji in a future iOS update expected in early 2026. These additions were approved by the Unicode Consortium as part of the Unicode 17.0 standard, which governs how digital text and symbols are displayed across platforms.
What’s Coming?
The new emoji include:
- Trombone
- Treasure chest
- Distorted face
- Hairy creature (Sasquatch)
- Fight cloud
- Orca
- Ballet dancers
- Landslide
These were selected for their cultural relevance and visual distinctiveness, according to the Unicode Consortium. The process of adding new emoji is deliberate: proposals are submitted, reviewed, and ultimately approved based on usage and uniqueness.
Why Does This Matter?
Emoji have evolved from simple emoticons into a critical form of digital communication. They transcend language barriers and add emotional nuance to text-based interactions. New additions reflect evolving cultural trends, memes, and shared experiences.
Notably, an apple core emoji was initially proposed but later withdrawn before approval. This highlights the selective nature of the Unicode Consortium’s process: not every suggestion makes the cut.
Recent Emoji Updates
The Unicode Consortium also released a set of new emoji in September 2024, including the face with bags under eyes and the splatter emoji, which are already available on most devices.
The addition of eight new emoji in 2026 will further enrich digital expression, providing users with more tools to communicate effectively in an increasingly visual world. The Consortium’s careful selection process ensures that these additions are both meaningful and widely usable.
