Apple and Google have revealed the new emojis coming to iOS and Android, particularly iOS 13 and Android Q.
The additions are in celebration of World Emoji Day, which takes place on July 17. The upcoming roster includes things like sloths, flamingos, and other animals, even a service dog, as well as emoticons that depict a wider range of gender and skin colors.
Personalization
As Apple highlights in its blog post, the Holding Hands emoji will be customizable to represent a number of skin tones and gender, "opening up more than 75 possible combinations." For instance, users can personalize the emoji to feature two men or two women holding hands.
Also, Google explains emojis that don't have a specific gender will be "gender ambiguous" by default, as reported by TechCrunch. Users will still have the option to tap and hold on them to choose between male and female.
Accessibility-themed icons are also in the mix, including a service dog, prosthetics, wheelchairs, an ear with a hearing aid, the ASL sign that means "deaf," and a person with a white cane, which is typically used by people with visual impairments.
On the more whimsical side of things, there are orangutans, skunks, otters, garlic, onion, a yo-yo, and many others. Another emoji that arguably deserves a special mention is the yawning smiley face, which could easily be one of the most widely used icons once it rolls out.
Availability
Apple is scheduled to launch the new emojis "this fall" as part of a free software update. That means they'll be available via iOS 13, iPadOS, watchOS 6, and macOS Catalina. On the other hand, Android users can access the new icons early by participating in the Android Q beta program or waiting until the official release of Android Q becomes available.
The full collection of emojis set for 2019 are posted on Emojipedia, so for those who want to check things out, just head on over to its website.