Apple unveils eight new emojis in iOS 18.4

Apple unveils eight new emojis in iOS 18.4
On March 3rd, Apple unveiled eight new emojis as part of the iOS 18.4 update. Currently available in the second developer beta, these vibrant additions promise to enhance digital communication with a mix of symbols. Scheduled for a public release this spring — likely in late March or early April — here’s a closer look at this update and the new characters joining the emoji lineup.
A Sneak Peek at the New Emojis
The eight new emojis were proposed by the Unicode Consortium in May 2024 and approved as part of Unicode 16.0 in September. Apple has now put its signature design spin on these characters, which include:
• Face with Bags Under Eyes: A tired-looking face that resonates with anyone who’s pulled an all-nighter or battled a hectic week.
• Fingerprint: A sleek, modern symbol perfect for discussions about security or identity.
• Harp: A nod to musical enthusiasts and classical vibes.
• Shovel: Ideal for gardening fans or anyone digging into a new project.
• Splatter: A playful paint splash that adds a burst of artistic energy.
• Root Vegetable: Likely a turnip or radish, bringing a quirky food option to the mix.
• Leafless Tree: As described, it’s stick season.
• Flag of Sark: Representing the small Channel Island.
These designs were first showcased in the iOS 18.4 beta 2 release, giving developers and early adopters a chance to test them out. For a visual preview, check out this post from X user @theapplehub, which highlights seven of the new emojis:

First look at new emoji coming in iOS 18.4
Which one is your favorite? pic.twitter.com/nCuYoCgTaQ
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) March 3, 2025

The “Face with Bags Under Eyes” has already sparked excitement online, with many calling it the “most anticipated” emoji for its uncanny relatability. The “Flag of Sark,” a lesser-known addition, marks a rare new regional flag in the emoji catalog, celebrating the tiny island’s identity.
Apple’s emoji updates typically arrive with spring software releases. The last major emoji drop came with iOS 17.4 in March 2024, introducing characters like the phoenix and lime wedge. With iOS 18.4, Apple continues this tradition, aligning with Unicode’s latest standards while adding its own polished aesthetic. The company also updated the Syrian flag emoji to reflect the nation’s current design, adopted in December 2024, showing its commitment to keeping symbols current.
When Can You Use Them?
While beta testers can play with these emojis now, others will have to wait until the official iOS 18.4 rollout in spring 2025. Based on Apple’s past patterns — such as iOS 17.4 in March 2024 and iOS 16.4 in March 2023 — expect a release around late March or early April. Once live, these emojis will sync across Apple’s ecosystem, from iPhones to iPads and Macs, ensuring a seamless experience.
MacDailyNews Note: Looking ahead, the Unicode Consortium is already reviewing proposals for Emoji 17.0, slated for September 2025, with quirky additions like Bigfoot and an apple core in the mix. Apple will very likely bring these emojis to iOS 19.4 in 2026.

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