Just before World Emoji day, Apple announced it that it will be releasing a new set of 59 diverse emojis for iOS. It will include new animals, foods, clothing, disability-themed emojis, and many new options for the “holding hands” emoji.
“In a major update to the Holding Hands emoji typically used to represent couples and relationships, users will now be able to select any combination of skin tone, in addition to gender, to personalize the people holding hands, opening up more than 75 possible combinations,” Apple said in its announcement.
Apple even exceeds Google’s offered emoji list, which will reportedly include 71 variations of couples with different skin tones and genders once released.
Some of the disability-themed emojis include prosthetic arms and legs, an ear with a hearing aid, wheelchairs, and a visually impaired support cane. The emojis will be included in a new software update for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches in the fall.
Apple previewed some new, more inclusive emojis for #WorldEmojiDay — including people with disabilities + interracial couples: pic.twitter.com/s7SFkId8v1
— AJ+ (@ajplus) July 17, 2019
The new list was teased last year after the Silicon Valley tech-giant sent a proposal to the nonprofit Unicode Consortium, a nonprofit group which sets international standards for emojis, and advocated for upgraded standards for the emojis.
“Currently, emoji provide a wide range of options, but may not represent the experiences of those with disabilities,” the company wrote in the proposal.
“Diversifying the options available helps fill a significant gap and provides a more inclusive experience for all.”
