Apple's iOS 17.4 to introduce cartoonish flair to emojis: Report

livemint.com:

Apple enthusiasts anticipate the rollout of iOS 17.4, which will extend its emoji repertoire to include non-gender-specific family symbols and redesigned existing family emojis. Emojipedia, affiliated with the Unicode Consortium, highlights the deliberate exclusion of additional flags in this update, citing the complexities of representation and the transient nature of many pride flags.

While iOS users eagerly await the new emojis, Samsung users have already enjoyed a sneak peek, albeit with a distinctive cartoonish flair applied to fruit and mushroom characters, providing a delightful departure from conventional designs. Apple's commitment to inclusivity in emoji representation dates back to 2019, with the introduction of non-binary versions of various human emojis.

This dedication underscores the tech giant's ongoing efforts to foster diversity and representation in digital communication platforms. Looking ahead, anticipation builds for future emoji releases, with expectations set for a summer unveiling and approval anticipated by September, paving the way for a 2025 rollout.

As users eagerly anticipate the iOS 17.4 update, the imminent release underscores Apple's dedication to enhancing user experience and fostering inclusivity in digital communication. With each new emoji, the tech giant continues to redefine the boundaries of expression and creativity in the digital realm, inviting users to explore the playful world of symbols and emotions in their everyday interactions.