Apple is expected to expand the emoji library on iPhone with a new set of nine symbols planned for the upcoming iOS 26.4, an update projected to arrive between March and April 2026. The new characters come from the latest approvals made by the Unicode Consortium, the organization responsible for standardizing emojis across different platforms and devices.
Once the update is released, the emojis will be available through Apple’s default keyboard and can be used normally in messaging apps, social networks, and any other compatible application. As with previous iOS versions, the system update is what ensures these new characters are correctly recognized and displayed, both on Apple products and on other devices that support the same Unicode release.
Image: MacRumors
One of the highlights of this upcoming batch is the “Distorted Face,” a design that resembles a well-known expression popular on Discord. With iOS 26.4, Apple is expected to give it an official look consistent with the company’s emoji style.
The full lineup includes a mix of objects, expressions, animals, and natural events. Users can expect to see icons such as a trombone and a treasure chest, along with a fight cloud that suggests conflict or chaos. The set also brings an apple core, an orca, and a “hairy creature” often associated with Bigfoot. Other additions include ballerinas and a landslide emoji, which may be useful for both literal and figurative conversations.
Apple has followed a fairly consistent pattern when rolling out new emojis, often introducing them in a spring software update. Previous examples include releases tied to iOS 18.4 and similar mid-cycle versions.
For people using newer iPhone models, Apple Intelligence continues to offer Genmoji, a separate feature that allows users to generate AI-based custom emojis. Unlike the standard emojis approved by Unicode, Genmoji creations are not universal and may not display the same way outside Apple-supported environments.
In contrast, the nine emojis planned for iOS 26.4 will be part of the global emoji standard, improving compatibility and ensuring they can be understood across different platforms once support becomes widespread.