From cheerful yellow faces to symbols that carry layers of unspoken meaning, emojis have become an essential part of how millions of people communicate every day. Whether they’re used to soften a message, inject humor, or convey something words struggle to express, these tiny digital icons now form a universal language across smartphones, social media platforms, and messaging apps.
And that language is about to expand once again.
Despite the fact that users already have access to more than 3,900 emojis, a new batch of nine characters is quietly making its way toward smartphones worldwide. The upcoming additions, recently uncovered by Emojipedia after appearing in Unicode’s public documentation, are expected to roll out in 2026 as part of the Emoji 18.0 update assuming they survive the approval process.
While some of the new emojis are practical or symbolic, one particular addition has already ignited lively debate online: the humble pickle.
How New Emojis Are Chosen
Before emojis appear on your phone, they go through a lengthy and often little-understood approval process overseen by the Unicode Consortium the nonprofit organization responsible for standardizing text and characters across digital platforms.
Late last year, Unicode quietly uploaded draft proposals for new emoji candidates into its public archives. These documents were later analyzed and shared by Emojipedia, a trusted authority on emoji trends and updates, revealing the nine symbols currently under consideration.
It’s important to note that none of these emojis are guaranteed to make the final cut. Unicode 18.0 and Emoji 18.0 are still in draft form, and several rounds of review remain before final approval is granted.
“Between now and September 2026, Unicode will conduct additional evaluations of these draft emoji candidates,” Emojipedia explained in a blog post. “Some proposals may not advance to final approval.”
If approved, the emojis will then be passed on to individual tech companies such as Apple, Google, Samsung, and Microsoft which design and implement their own visual versions. That process alone can take months or even more than a year.
The Full List of Proposed Emojis
The nine emojis currently under review include:
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Squinting face
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Leftward thumb
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Rightward thumb
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Pickle
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Monarch butterfly
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Lighthouse
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Meteor
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Eraser
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Net with a handle
Each symbol reflects Unicode’s ongoing effort to balance emotional expression, practical communication tools, and symbolic representation of objects and nature.
A New Face Joins the Emoji Family
Among the nine, only one is a new facial expression: a smiley face with squinting eyes. Despite its simplicity, it has quickly become one of the most celebrated additions on social media.
Users on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to declare their enthusiasm.
“I’m going to use the squinting one SO much,” one user wrote, while another exclaimed, “This emoji is absolutely necessary.”
Fans say the squinting face captures a subtle emotion that existing emojis don’t quite convey a blend of skepticism, playful judgment, mild disbelief, or teasing humor. It’s the kind of expression people often make in real life, which may explain why users are already imagining countless everyday uses for it.
Thumbs, But With Direction
The update also introduces two new hand gestures: a leftward thumb and a rightward thumb. While this might sound minor, directional emojis can play a surprisingly important role in online communication, particularly when referencing something in a message, reacting to a post, or adding emphasis.
Social media users have already begun joking about the new thumbs, suggesting they’ll be perfect for sarcastic remarks or dismissive reactions. Some described them as ideal for saying “look over there” or expressing mock disapproval without using words.
The Pickle That Broke the Internet (Almost)
Without question, the most talked-about emoji in the new lineup is the pickle.
While it may appear to be a harmless addition to the food category, many users immediately recognized its potential to join the long tradition of emojis taking on double meanings. The aubergine emoji, for example, has been widely repurposed as a suggestive symbol — and some believe the pickle could follow a similar path.
Social media reactions were swift and humorous.
“Pickle emoji gonna be huge,” one user predicted.
Another joked, “Eggplant emoji is shaking,” while a third added, “The pickle emoji is about to send the aubergine packing.”
Others welcomed the pickle’s arrival more earnestly, celebrating it as a long-overdue food emoji. “I’ve been waiting YEARS for this,” one user wrote, while another sarcastically commented, “I wonder how this emoji will be used. Definitely according to its literal meaning.”
Whether it becomes a genuine culinary icon or a not-so-subtle innuendo remains to be seen.
Mixed Reactions to the Remaining Emojis
The rest of the proposed emojis including the monarch butterfly, lighthouse, meteor, eraser, and net with a handle — have received a more lukewarm response.
Some users questioned whether certain additions were necessary at all. Several pointed out that there is already a butterfly emoji, leading to confusion about why a monarch butterfly specifically is being introduced. Others wondered whether the meteor emoji was redundant, mistaking it for the existing comet symbol.
The eraser and net with a handle also drew puzzled reactions, with some users unsure how often they would realistically be used in everyday conversations.
That said, niche emojis often find unexpected audiences over time, particularly among educators, environmental advocates, or hobby-specific communities.
When Will You Actually See Them?
If Unicode gives final approval, the new emojis are expected to be officially released around September 2026. However, users should temper their expectations.
“There is often a long delay between Unicode approval and when those emojis actually appear on iPhone or Android keyboards,” Emojipedia noted. “Sometimes it can take many months or even up to a year.”
This means that even after approval, the emojis may roll out gradually depending on device type, operating system updates, and region.
A Reflection of Digital Culture
Each emoji update offers a snapshot of how digital communication continues to evolve. While some symbols fill practical gaps, others reflect humor, creativity, or the internet’s endless ability to repurpose even the simplest image.
Whether you’re excited about the squinting face, curious about the new thumbs, or eagerly awaiting the arrival of the pickle, one thing is clear: emojis aren’t going anywhere and their influence on how we communicate is only growing.