All the New iOS 26 Emojis and How to Get Them on Android

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Apple is once again expanding your emoji toolkit with the launch of iOS 26. Packed with fresh, expressive icons, the iOS 26 emojis include everything from whimsical creatures to everyday objects, giving users more ways to communicate creatively. Whether you're texting about your favorite food, reacting to a wild situation, or expressing your mood with a quirky new face, iOS 26 delivers a fun and diverse collection of new emoji options.

In this article, we'll explore all the new emoji characters, how Genmoji works, and even how Android users can try out iOS 26-style emojis on their devices.

The New Emoji Characters in iOS 26

Apple is expected to include the following eight new emojis in a future iOS 26 point release—likely iOS 26.1 or later. These emojis were approved by Unicode 17.0 and reflect a mix of pop culture, emotion, nature, and creativity.

List of New Emoji in iOS 26:

• Trombone
• Treasure Chest
• Distorted Face
• Hairy Creature
• Fight Cloud
• Apple Core
• Orca
• Ballet Dancer
• Landslide

These emojis reflect a creative blend of fantasy, emotion, and everyday objects, providing users with even more engaging ways to communicate.

For example, while the Ballet Dancers emoji consists of a single character in the Unicode standard, Apple is expected to offer five skin tone variations in iOS 26 for more inclusive representation. Notably, the Unicode draft does not include gender variants for this emoji.

Additionally, Unicode 17.0 introduces a major expansion for emoji like the people with bunny ears and wrestlers. These characters will support three gender identities and five skin tones, resulting in 25 unique combinations. Unlike previous couple with heart or kissing couple emojis, these new additions are designed as same-gender pairings, providing improved inclusivity and visibility for LGBTQ+ relationships.

With these thoughtful updates, iOS 26 continues Apple's commitment to diversity and representation across its emoji library.

When Will These New Emojis Be Available?

Apple confirmed Unicode 17.0 emojis — including Apple Core, Ballet Dancers, Distorted Face, Fight Cloud, Hairy Creature, Orca, Trombone, Treasure Chest (and sometimes Landslide)—will officially arrive this fall 2025, when Unicode 17.0 is released.

However, Apple does not typically include new emojis in the initial launch version of iOS; instead, it creates its own stylized versions and deploys them in later point updates.

Genmoji: Apple's AI-Powered Custom Emojis

The most exciting emoji-related feature in iOS 26 isn't a character—it's Genmoji, Apple's AI-generated emoji system powered by Apple Intelligence.

What is Genmoji?

Genmoji lets users create personalized emoji using:

• Text prompts (e.g. "a sleepy llama drinking coffee")
• Your own face to generate emoji-like reactions
• Mix-and-match ideas (combine themes, looks, and moods)

shareable in iMessage, stickers, Tapback reactions, and even third-party apps that support Apple's sticker system.

Emoji Mix & Match: Apple's Version of Emoji Kitchen

Inspired by Android's Emoji Kitchen, Apple introduces emoji combination suggestions in iOS 26—allowing users to blend ideas or themes into unique emoji stickers.

Examples:

• Combine robot and heart to create a robot with heart-shaped eyes
• Mix cat and superhero to generate a superhero cat
• Add pizza and dragon for a pizza-loving dragon

These combos are powered by Apple Intelligence, and results appear in sticker form inside your emoji keyboard.

How to Use New Emoji and Genmoji in iOS 26?

Accessing New Emojis:

• Open the emoji keyboard in Messages or any app.
• Use the search bar to find "Trombone", "Orca", or "Apple Core".
• Tap to insert them into your message (after the update that includes them).

Using Genmoji:

• Open Messages → Tap + above the keyboard.
• Choose Genmoji.
• Type a creative prompt (e.g. "nervous avocado") or take a selfie.
• Tap to send it as a sticker or reaction.

How Android Users Can Download and Use iOS 26 Emojis?

Although iOS 26 emojis are Apple-exclusive, Android users can still experience them through a few workarounds.

1Replace Emoji Fonts (Requires Root)

• Download the iOS 26 Emoji Font (.ttf) from GitHub or XDA forums.
• Install a tool like ZFont 3 or Emoji Replacer.
• Apply the font system-wide (requires root access).
• Restart your device to activate the new emoji style.

2Use Emoji Sticker Packs or Keyboards (No Root Needed)

Apps like:

• Facemoji Keyboard
• Kika Keyboard
• ZFont Emoji Stickers

These provide iOS-style emoji stickers and reactions for use in WhatsApp, Telegram, and other social apps. You won't get system-level emoji replacement, but it's safe and easy.

3Download Emojis from the Web

Sites like:

• Emojipedia
• Getemoji.com

Let you download iOS-style emojis as PNG or SVG images. You can use them to:

• Make custom stickers
• Post on social media
• Design memes or graphics

Summary: How Android Users Can Try iOS 26 Emojis

Final Thoughts

Apple's iOS 26 emoji update may not deliver quantity, but it delivers quality, creativity, and personalization. With Genmoji, new AI-powered emoji reactions, and eight Unicode 17.0 additions like Orca, Fight Cloud, and Trombone, Apple is redefining how we express ourselves visually.

And even if you're on Android, you can still tap into the iOS emoji experience with creative tools and fonts. Whether you're a hardcore emoji fan or just love to personalize your messages, iOS 26 takes emoji communication to a whole new level.