New Emojis Arriving with iOS 26.4 Update

Apple is set to expand its emoji library with eight new options in the upcoming iOS 26.4 update, bringing more ways to express yourself on iPhones and other Apple products. These additions, approved by the Unicode Consortium in 2025, will begin rolling out this spring.

What New Emojis Will Be Available?

The iOS 26.4 update will introduce the following emojis:

• Ballet dancers (available in various skin tones)
• Distorted face (with bulging eyes)
• Fight cloud (as seen in cartoons)
• Hairy creature (commonly known as Sasquatch)
• Landslide (depicting tumbling rocks)
• Orca
• Trombone
• Treasure chest (filled with gold, gems, and a pearl necklace)

When Will the New Emojis Be Released?

Users participating in the Apple Beta Software Program already have access to the new emojis. A wider release is planned with the iOS 26.4 update, expected this spring, though Apple has not yet announced a specific date as of March 10, 2026 [USAToday].

Apple Intelligence and Custom Emojis

While Apple’s Genmoji feature, launched in 2024 with Apple Intelligence, allows users to create personalized emojis, these new additions from the Unicode Consortium offer standardized options compatible across various devices and platforms. [USAToday]

Background on Emoji Standardization

The Unicode Consortium, a nonprofit organization, has been responsible for approving new emojis since 2010, ensuring consistency across different platforms. The eight new emojis are part of the Unicode 17.0 release, which launched in September 2025, with rollout continuing into early 2026. [USAToday]