This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
Apple has announced the upcoming release of iOS 13.2, which will introduce over 200 new emoji to the iPhone operating system. The new characters are part of the Emoji 12.0 standard from the Unicode Consortium, a move aimed at promoting diversity and inclusivity in digital communication.
According to Apple, the new emoji keyboard will include diverse options, such as different family combinations, disability-themed images, and a bigger variety of skin tones. This means that users will now be able to pick faces with different skin tones, following criticism that the previous keyboard didn't have enough diversity.
Emoji families will also now come with the option of two mums and two dads, a move that aims to promote inclusivity and acceptance. The new emoji will also include a yawning face, a pinching hand, and a sarcastic Twitter user has already poked fun at the new pinching hand emoji, saying it will now be easier for girls to make fun of their small d.
Other notable additions include a sloth, skunk, and flamingo, as well as new accessibility-focused emojis, such as an ear with a hearing aid, a mechanical arm/leg, and a person in a wheelchair. The new emoji will also include a guide dog and more.
Wildlife additions include a sloth, skunk, and flamingo, all reasonably popular animals depending on where you come from. When it comes to food, you'll now have garlic, waffle, falafel, butter, and an ice cube to cook up a colourful message with.
However, an official release date for iOS 13.2 hasn't been announced yet, but you can view the full list of upcoming emojis on Emojipedia's website in the meantime. Some of the emojis may still change slightly in appearance before the public release of iOS 13.2.
