Unicode Consortium Proposes New Emojis for 2026

The Unicode Consortium has released a draft list of 19 emoji candidates for Emoji 18.0, which is expected to be finalized in September 2026. Among the proposed additions are a squinting face, left- and right-pointing thumb gestures, a pickle, a lighthouse, a meteor, an eraser, and a net with a handle. Additionally, a monarch butterfly emoji is included, providing a more specific alternative to the existing generic butterfly emoji. If approved, Emoji 18.0 will also introduce 10 new skin tone variants for two of the base emojis, bringing the total number of recommended emoji characters close to 4,000.

MacRumors9to5MacSquinting Face, Lighthouse, Meteor, and Eraser Among Emoji Coming to iOS Later This Year – MacTrast

Following the finalization of the new emoji in September 2026, Apple will need to create its own versions of the emojis for its devices. This rollout is anticipated to occur with the release of iOS 27, likely in late 2026 or early 2027. In the interim, Apple is expected to introduce previously announced Unicode 17 emojis with the upcoming iOS 26.4 update, scheduled for March or April 2026.

MacRumors9to5MacSquinting Face, Lighthouse, Meteor, and Eraser Among Emoji Coming to iOS Later This Year – MacTrast

The Unicode Consortium has emphasized that the draft list is not final and may undergo changes during the review process. Apple has a history of adopting new Unicode emojis in its software updates, and the company is expected to continue this trend with the upcoming releases.

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Despite the excitement surrounding new emojis, some users have expressed a diminishing interest in annual emoji updates. As the catalog of emojis expands, feedback suggests that iPhone users are less engaged with each new addition, raising questions about the relevance of new emojis in contemporary digital communication.

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While the Unicode Consortium's draft list includes 19 emoji candidates, the exact number of emojis that will ultimately be approved remains uncertain. Additionally, there is no definitive information on which specific emojis may not make the final cut, as historical trends indicate that most proposed emojis are typically approved.

9to5MacMacRumorsSquinting Face, Lighthouse, Meteor, and Eraser Among Emoji Coming to iOS Later This Year – MacTrast

• “Among the list of new additions are a smiley face with squinting eyes, a pickle, an eraser, and more.” — Emojipedia

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• “Once the new emoji are confirmed, Apple will need to release new versions of watchOS, iOS, iPadOS, and macOS to support the new emojis.” — Emojipedia

Squinting Face, Lighthouse, Meteor, and Eraser Among Emoji Coming to iOS Later This Year – MacTrast

As the Unicode Consortium prepares for the finalization of Emoji 18.0, the anticipated new emojis reflect ongoing trends in digital communication, while also highlighting the evolving preferences of users.

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