Upcoming iOS 26 and the New Emoji Additions
As the tech world eagerly awaits the release of iOS 26, Apple has been quietly preparing for a significant user interface update. This change is expected to bring a fresh look and feel to the operating system, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. To coincide with the recent celebration of World Emoji Day on July 16, the Unicode Consortium has announced a new set of emojis that will be included in the upcoming version of the Unicode Standard.
The Unicode Consortium plays a crucial role in the digital landscape as a nonprofit organization responsible for maintaining the Unicode Standard. This standard ensures that text and emoji are consistently displayed across all platforms and devices, regardless of the operating system or application being used. It’s important to note that while Apple and Google may implement these emojis in their respective systems, it is the Unicode Consortium that determines which emojis are officially added to the standard.
This latest update includes eight new emojis that have been approved for Unicode 17.0. These additions are:
- Apple Core
- Ballet Dancers
- Distorted Face
- Fight Cloud
- Hairy Creature
- Orca
- Trombone
- Treasure Chest
While the inclusion of these new emojis is exciting, it’s worth noting that they may not appear immediately in the initial release of iOS 26. Apple often takes time to develop custom designs for new emojis, ensuring they align with the company’s aesthetic and user experience standards. As a result, these new emojis are likely to make their way into the operating system through subsequent updates.
For instance, the Unicode 16.0 standard was finalized in September 2024, just a week before the launch of iOS 18. However, the emojis from that update did not appear on iPhones until the release of iOS 18.4 in March of this year. This pattern suggests that the new emojis from Unicode 17.0 may follow a similar timeline.
Despite the delay, the addition of these new emojis is a welcome change for users who enjoy expressing themselves through visual communication. The variety of options available—ranging from playful characters like the Distorted Face to more whimsical choices like the Apple Core—adds a new dimension to how people interact online.
As the release date for iOS 26 approaches, users can look forward to an updated interface and a more diverse set of emojis. While the exact timing of the emoji rollout remains uncertain, the anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting update. Whether you’re a long-time Apple user or simply interested in the latest trends in digital communication, the upcoming changes are sure to offer something for everyone.