8 new Apple emojis to launch with iOS 26.4. Take a look.
- 518 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].
Share this:
- Share on X (Opens in new window) X
- Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
- Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
- Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
- Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
- Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
- Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
Related
Author
Related Posts
Athletics Sign Dallas Keuchel To Minor League Contract
The A’s have signed left-hander Dallas Keuchel to a minor league deal, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports. Keuchel will pitch for the Athletics’...
Read out all
Saygid Izagakhmaev vs. Abubakar Vagaev prediction, pick, time
July 24, 2026, 10:00 p.m. ET Saygid Izagakhmaev and Abubakar Vagaev meet in the UFC Fight Night 282 main card opener Saturday...
Read out all
Iran-backed Houthis claim missile attack on Saudi Arabia as Middle East war widens – The Guardian
Iran-backed Houthis claim missile attack on Saudi Arabia as Middle East war widens The Guardian Iran war live: Saudi Arabia, Houthis trade blows...
Read out all
Former IMMAF Champions Abdul Hussein and Magomed Tuchalov set for UFC debuts in Abu Dhabi
Paul Abraham IMMAF will once again be represented inside the Octagon this weekend. At UFC Abu Dhabi: Ankalaev vs. Guskov, Abdul Hussein...
Read out all
Trevor McDonald could miss rest of season with elbow injury
SAN FRANCISCO – The Giants returned to the Bay Area battered and bruised after a 1-5 road trip through Seattle and Kansas...
Read out all
