- 484 words
March 10, 2026Updated March 11, 2026, 9:04 a.m. ET
Apple is releasing eight new emojis this spring, including a new type of dancer, a “killer” sea animal and a popular cryptid.
In the summer of 2025, the eight new emojis were approved by the Unicode Consortium. This nonprofit organization has been responsible for approving new emojis on devices globally, including Apple products, since 2010. The eight new options are part of the Unicode 17.0 release, which officially launched in September 2025. The rollout of these new emojis will continue on various devices and platforms through early 2026.
Apple product users can technically create their own emojis using Apple Intelligence’s Genmoji feature, launched in 2024; however, the eight new emojis, since they have the Unicode Consortium’s approval, can be used across various devices and platforms.
Here’s what to know about the new emojis coming to Apple products soon.
What are the new Apple emojis with iOS 26.4?
The new emojis coming to Apple products with the iOS 26.4 update include:
- Ballet dancers (available in various skin tones)
- Distorted face (bulging eyes extend from the head)
- Fight cloud (as seen in cartoons)
- Hairy creature (aka sasquatch)
- Landslide (small rocks tumbling beside a larger rock)
- Orca
- Trombone
- Treasure chest (full of gold, red gems, a pearl necklace and a crown)
When are the new Apple emojis available?
The eight new emojis are already available to folks who participate in the Apple Beta Software Program, which allows users inside access to new updates.
The emojis will be available widely with the iOS 26.4 update. As of March 10, Apple had not announced an official release date for the update, but has said it should be expected this spring.
Did you know that anyone can submit a design for a new emoji?
While the Unicode Consortium is the official body that approves new emoji designs, the ideas placed in front of the nonprofit organization can be made by anyone, including you! The consortium opened emoji submissions from the general public in 2025.
The consortium will begin accepting new emoji submissions on April 2, according to the organization’s website. The organization encourages designers to think of emoji concepts that can have multiple uses, be used alongside other emojis, appear distinct, and be used frequently across the globe. According to the consortium, only about 30 new emojis are approved each year, so the competition to make it through with an idea is tight.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to add a new photo.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].
Author
Related Posts
‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35 Week 8 Live Recap: Dances, Scores and Elimination
November is off to an exciting start for Dancing With the Stars fans, as the hit ABC competition airs one night early...
Read out all
How to Watch Nebraska Women’s Basketball vs. San Jose State with Preview, Breakdown, TV Channel
The Nebraska women’s basketball team enters another season with postseason expectations, and the Cornhuskers will aim to leverage their veteran lineup into...
Read out all
America’s Gulf Allies Prepare for New Round of Strikes on Iran—and the Blowback – WSJ
America’s Gulf Allies Prepare for New Round of Strikes on Iran—and the Blowback WSJ Trump’s Iran threat renews Gulf fears of a war...
Read out all
3 British Invasion Songs From the 1970s We Know You Sing All the Time in the Shower
On average, the 1970s offered music fans the type of songs that made them want to sing. Rock music was everywhere, and...
Read out all
16-year-old victim of Newark shooting charged with possessing gun; shooter still at large | News
One of the six people shot in downtown Newark late Saturday has been charged with possessing a gun. The shooter remains at...
Read out all
Six Indian tourists stranded in Nepal’s National Park rescued safely
Image used for representational purposes only. | Photo Credit: Alan Currie Six Indian tourists were rescued on Monday (November 2, 2026) after...
Read out all