On Wednesday, April 8, Apple released its latest software update, iOS 8.3, the first version of the software to be released as a public beta earlier this year. The update fixed some bugs and includes a few new features — such as the highly anticipated new racially diverse emojis.
The new emoji keyboard for iOS 8.3 includes more than 300 new characters for texters who love to have conversations through pictures — including human characters available in six different skin tones to represent different ethnicities. That means we're no longer restricted to sending the same faces to represent all our friends and family. We'll give a thumbs up to that.
Update to iOS 8.3 if you want new emoji https://t.co/NofVnQjsoM pic.twitter.com/DG6CmmeEnD
— Owen Williams (@ow) April 8, 2015
Now that it's finally been released, how exactly can you get the new diverse emoji keyboard for iOS 8.3? It's simple if you know exactly where to look.
Start by downloading the iOS 8.3 software update by going into Settings > General > Software Update. Just follow the directions and let your iPhone work its magic.
Once you have iOS 8.3 on your Apple device, make sure to enable the emoji keyboard. If you are no stranger to Apple devices, then you probably already have your keyboard enabled. Otherwise, you can turn this feature on by going to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. You should see the emoji keyboard listed, but if not, then click Add New Keyboard.
Now that this feature is enabled, you can send emojis that better represent what you're trying to express in character form by tapping on the globe icon on the keyboard when you're texting. If you long-press on an emoji, alternative options will pop up. Although you can't change the skin color of the standard yellow smiley faces, when you click on the "people" emojis, you will be able to chose the color you wish to use.
Now that you have the new keyboard — it's time to write all your conversations via emojis!
Photo: Intel Free Press | Flickr
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