Emoji lovers pay attention, because we know which new emoticons are coming. Unicode Consortium, the creators of the Emojis, have beta for Unicode 18 released containing new emoji. This way we already know which emoticons we can expect later.
The current range of emoji is already large, so the update has been limited to nine brand new emoji that you can soon send and use, including a smiley with narrowed eyes, monarch butterfly, pickle and a thumb gesture to the left or right. The new emoticons will only be added in a later version of iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27, possibly in spring 2027.
Unicode 18 in beta
Unicode Consortium, the creators of the Emojis, have not yet officially announced the new update. Well, the new one unicode 18 currently in a beta phase, ending in early July. During this period, a select group of people will have the opportunity to view and critically assess the new emojis. Unicode Consortium will probably announce the new emoticons on July 17, World Emoji Day. The final version will be released in September, then Apple can make their own design.
9 new emoji and combinations
Nine new emojis, which is a normal number compared to previous years. The final number will probably be slightly higher, because existing emoji will be provided with some innovations.
In total, only nine brand new emojis will be added, the others are an addition to existing ones or an extension of a new emoji. Below you will find an overview of all the new emojis shared by Emojipedia.
The 2026/2027 emoji update tentatively adds the following new emoticons: Squinted Eye Smiley, Monarch Butterfly, Gherkin, Lighthouse, Meteor, Eraser, Net with Handle, and Thumb Gesture to the Left or Right. The latter will also be available in different skin color types.
New software required
The new emojis for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac will only be available in the spring 2027 expected. This requires a software update iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27 and macOS 27. These updates are necessary to use or view the new emoticons.
Useful emoji tips
- Activate and use the emoji keyboard
- Adjust the skin color of an emoji
- How to use emojis on a Mac
- Replace text with Emojis in the iOS Messages app
- Search using emoji in spotlight
- More emoji tips