9 New Emojis Coming This Year: Meteor and Eraser
Nine New Emojis Are Scheduled for Release in September 2026
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Teh Unicode Consortium plans to release nine new emojis as part of the Emoji 18.0 update in September 2026, according to a draft released by the Emoji standard & Research Working Group.
What is the Unicode Consortium?
The Unicode Consortium is a non-profit association responsible for developing, maintaining, and promoting the Unicode standard. this standard defines a universal character encoding that allows text and symbols, including emojis, to be consistently represented across different platforms and devices. The Consortium also manages the emoji standard, proposing and designing new emojis for annual release.
founded in 1991, the Unicode Consortium includes representatives from major technology companies like Apple, google, Microsoft, and Adobe. its work ensures global digital interaction remains consistent.
Source: Unicode Consortium Official Website
Details of Emoji 18.0
Emoji 18.0, scheduled for release in September 2026, will introduce nine entirely new emojis. In addition to these new designs, the update will also expand the range of skin tone modifiers available for two of the proposed emojis, adding ten new variations. This expansion aims to increase inclusivity and depiction within the emoji set.
The specific designs of the nine new emojis were not detailed in the initial report from Emojipedia on January 9, 2026, but further details is expected as the Unicode Consortium finalizes the designs and specifications.
Source: Emojipedia: Emoji 18.0 Draft Proposes 9 New Emojis – September 2026
Impact of Emoji Updates
Emoji updates are meaningful becuase they reflect evolving cultural trends and user needs. New emojis often address gaps in representation or provide new ways for people to express themselves digitally. The addition of skin tone variations is a direct response to calls for greater inclusivity in digital communication.
In 2015, the Unicode Consortium began adding skin tone modifiers, allowing users to select from five different Fitzpatrick scale tones for many human emojis. This change was widely praised for promoting diversity.
Source: Unicode Consortium: Skin Tone Modifiers