Apple'S Emoji Update: The New Icons Everyone'S Talking About

  • By Nico
  • Jan. 22, 2026, 6 a.m.

New Emojis Stir Up Online Conversations

Apple is gearing up to introduce nine new emojis to its iPhone lineup this year, sparking quite a buzz online. While the latest additions are a part of the ever-expanding Unicode Standard, which already boasts over 3,900 emojis, it's the cheeky details that have everyone talking.

The emojis rounding out the fresh batch include a squinting face, directional thumb gestures, a pickle, a lighthouse, a meteor, an eraser, and a net with a handle. But amidst these playful icons, it's the pickle emoji that's generating the most attention. Comparing it to the widely popular eggplant emoji, some are already speculating about its potential to shift the emoji landscape.

Social Media Reactions Roll In

The emoji news didn't take long to find its way to social media, where users eagerly shared their thoughts. A Reddit user summarized, “Squinting Face, Pickle, and Lighthouse Among New Emoji Coming to iOS.” This sparked a lively debate, with questions like, “Will pickle overtake eggplant?” capturing the playful spirit of the community.

Others chimed in with their predictions and preferences. "Pickle or eggplant? Which team are you on?" asked one user, while another quipped, "Eggplant's days are numbered, and having Rob Van Dam thumbs is going to be great." The playful banter continued, highlighting just how much the emoji keyboard influences our digital conversations.

“I can totally see the pickle becoming a new favorite, especially for food memes. Eggplant had its time in the spotlight, but pickles have that extra crunch, you know? Plus, who doesn't love a good pickle GIF?”

When Will They Arrive?

As for when these emojis will make their official debut, it looks like iPhone users will need to exercise some patience. The anticipated rollout will most likely coincide with the release of iOS 27, expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Until then, the eggplant emoji can continue to enjoy its reigning popularity.

In the meantime, Apple fans can enjoy a lesser-known iPhone tip that recently surfaced. A video on Raylo's YouTube channel showcased a clever hack, enabling iPhone 12 users and beyond to transform their photos into a 3D-like experience. It's just one more way Apple keeps surprising its devoted users with creative tech twists.

Nico
Author: Nico
Nico

Nico

Nico tracks the pulse of SoCal creator culture - from WeHo nights to TikTok mornings. He chases viral moments, fan deals, collabs, and live events with fast, human coverage. Expect Q&As, “Hot Now” briefs, and field notes that tell you what’s popping and why it matters. If it’s trending by noon, Nico had it at breakfast.