Emojis have revolutionized digital communication, allowing us to express emotions and ideas quickly. To celebrate World Emoji Day (July 17th) 2020, we’re diving into the exciting updates coming to iOS and Android devices: a fresh batch of 117 new emojis! This update brings diverse skin tones, gender-neutral options, and unique additions like ninja, bubble tea, and pinched fingers.
Why Emojis Matter
Emojis are integral to modern messaging, providing a visual language transcending words. Emojipedia, the leading resource for emoji information, reports over 25 million monthly lookups, highlighting their popularity. This update ensures that our digital communication remains inclusive and expressive.
Android 11 Emoji Updates:
- 117 New Designs: Google’s Android 11 introduces 62 new characters and 55 skin tone and gender variants.
- Empathy and Expression: New emojis like “two people hugging” and “slightly smiling face with tear” emphasize emotional depth.
- Inclusive Representation: The update includes “person in tuxedo,” “person feeding baby,” and “man in veil,” promoting gender diversity.
- Dark Mode Compatibility: Select emojis are designed to look vibrant in dark mode.
- Realistic Animal Emojis: Collaborations with Monterey Bay Aquarium and Victoria Bug Zoo result in authentic depictions of animals like the beaver, polar bear, and bison, along with returning classics like the turtle.
iOS Emoji Updates:
Diverse New Emojis: iOS users will see additions like pinched fingers, a boomerang, a ninja, a dodo, a coin, anatomical hearts, and the transgender symbol.
Celebration and Food: Celebrate with piñata and long drum emojis, and enjoy food-themed options like tamales, bubble tea, and teapots.
Gender-Neutral Options: Apple follows Google’s lead in offering gender-neutral emojis.
Accessibility: Emojis representing people with disabilities and enhanced skin tone selection for hand-holding emojis are included.
Memoji Enhancements: Apple Memoji gets new hairstyles, headwear, and face coverings.
Release Dates
- While Google’s developer presentation hinted at a September 8th release, an official date is still pending.
- Apple’s iOS 14, iPadOS, and macOS Big Sur were expected in the fall of 2020.
The Importance of Gender-Neutral Emojis:
Apple and Android’s inclusion of gender-neutral emojis reflects a growing societal emphasis on inclusivity. These updates allow users to express themselves authentically, regardless of gender identity.
Pro Tips:
- Explore available third-party keyboard and font-changing apps for those wanting to use iOS emojis on Android devices here: How to get your favorite iPhone emojis on your Android.
- And lastly, if you cannot get your preferred iPhone emojis on Android and vice versa, remember that you can sell your smartphone for cash or trade it in and switch camps.