This archive report was first published on 30 October 2019.
On October 30, 2019, Apple released a new update to its mobile operating system, iOS 13.2, which included a range of new emojis, including gender neutral designs.
The new emojis, which were designed to be more inclusive, feature a range of styles and facial structures that differ from traditional male and female designs. In some cases, the style and color of the characters' clothes are changed, while in others, the haircuts are different and a 'gender neutral facial structure' is used.
The update also includes a range of other new emojis, including a plate of falafel, a skunk, and a banjo. Apple has been working to increase the diversity of its emojis in recent years, and this update is the latest step in that effort.
However, not everyone is pleased with the new emojis. Some have suggested that they do not accurately represent gender non-conforming people, and that they may even perpetuate stereotypes.
"How do u determine that these emojis are how gender-neutrality should be represented or that these emojis even represent most gnc people," wrote one Twitter user.
Apple has said that the new emojis are designed to 'bring even more diversity to the keyboard' and 'fill a significant gap' in the selection of emojis.
