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Rounding up the emojisโฆ
Rounding up the emojisโฆ
Unicode 16.0 brings a fresh batch of emoji to your devices. From the exhausted Face with Bags Under Eyes to the long-awaited Pink Heart, here is every new emoji rolling out across platforms in 2025.
By ACiDek ยท Updated February 2025 ยท 21 new emoji
New emoji are standardized by the Unicode Consortium but roll out at different times depending on your device and operating system. Here is when each platform adopts Unicode 16.0 emoji:
| Platform | Version | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple (iOS/macOS) | iOS 18.4 / macOS 15.4 | March-April 2025 | Released |
| Google (Android) | Android 15 QPR2 | March 2025 | Released |
| Samsung (One UI) | One UI 7.0 | Q1-Q2 2025 | Rolling out |
| Microsoft (Windows) | Windows 11 24H2 | Late 2024 - Early 2025 | Released |
| Meta (WhatsApp/FB/IG) | Twemoji update | Q1 2025 | Released |
| Twitter/X | Twemoji 16.0 | Q1 2025 | Released |
Represents exhaustion, sleep deprivation, or being overworked. The quintessential "I stayed up too late" face.
A face shaking from side to side, expressing shock, disbelief, or an earthquake of emotions.
A white goose, representing the beloved/feared bird. Perfect for "silly goose" or referencing the viral Untitled Goose Game.
A moose with impressive antlers. Represents Canada, Scandinavia, wilderness, or majestic wildlife.
A translucent jellyfish with trailing tentacles. Symbolizes ocean life, going with the flow, or ethereal beauty.
A single feathered wing. Represents freedom, angels, aviation, or the phrase "spreading your wings."
A gray donkey. Can represent stubbornness, hard work, humility, or the Democratic Party in US politics.
A purple hyacinth flower. Symbolizes spring, rebirth, beauty, and in some traditions, asking for forgiveness.
A green pea pod with visible peas. Represents "two peas in a pod," freshness, or healthy eating.
A pair of colorful maracas. Represents Latin music, celebration, rhythm, and festive occasions.
A wooden or metal flute. Represents classical music, woodwind instruments, or the Pied Piper.
An afro pick or hair comb. Represents Black hair care, natural hair pride, and cultural identity.
An ornate folding fan. Represents elegance, cooling off, East Asian culture, or dramatic flair.
A pink heart, filling the gap in the heart color spectrum. Represents gentle love, sweetness, and affection.
A light blue heart. Represents platonic love, tranquility, trust, and winter aesthetics.
A grey heart. Represents neutral feelings, loss, sadness, or silver/grey aesthetics.
A wireless/Wi-Fi symbol. Represents internet connectivity, being online, or wireless technology.
A hand pushing to the right. Used for pushing away, rejection, "talk to the hand," or passing something along.
A hand pushing to the left. Similar to the rightward version but mirrored for conversational flow.
Two hands forming a heart shape. Represents love, appreciation, and the K-pop heart gesture.
A finger pointing directly at the viewer. The "I want YOU" gesture, perfect for call-to-action messages.
Every new emoji goes through a rigorous approval process managed by the Unicode Consortium, a non-profit organization based in Mountain View, California. The process typically takes 1-2 years from proposal to your phone:
Read our detailed article on how new emoji are created for the full story.
Even after Unicode officially standardizes new emoji, it can take months before they appear on all devices. This is because each platform vendor must:
Apple typically leads with iOS updates in March-April, followed by Google with Android updates. Samsung, WhatsApp, and other platforms follow throughout the year. Until your recipient has updated their device, new emoji may appear as empty boxes (๏ฟฝ) or question marks.
Unicode 17.0 is expected in September 2025, with new emoji reaching devices in early 2026. The proposal deadline for Unicode 17.0 emoji candidates has already passed, and the Emoji Subcommittee is currently reviewing submissions. Rumored candidates include additional food items, musical instruments, and cultural symbols requested by communities worldwide.
Keep an eye on this page โ we will update it as Unicode 17.0 emoji are officially announced. For historical context, read about the history of Unicode emoji.