How to get the new emojis on iPhone

To get new emojis on an iPhone, update to the latest available version of iOS that includes the emoji update, ensure the device is compatible with that iOS release, and confirm the emoji additions in the official Unicode release notes and Apple’s documentation. New emojis typically arrive with major iOS updates, yearly iOS feature releases, and occasionally with smaller bug-fix or maintenance updates when Unicode adds additional characters. This evergreen guide explains the step-by-step process, what to expect on each supported model, and how to confirm the emojis are installed and working.

Check for the latest iOS update

The primary way new emojis arrive on iPhone is through iOS software updates. Apple bundles emoji updates into major releases such as iOS 17 or iOS 18, and into smaller maintenance releases. To check for an update, open Settings, tap General, then tap Software Update. If an update is available, download and install it while connected to Wi-Fi and with sufficient battery or connected to power. Before installing, back up your device via iCloud or iTunes so you can restore if necessary. Compatibility varies by model: iPhone 8 and later typically support the most recent iOS; older models may be limited to earlier iOS versions that no longer receive emoji additions. Always confirm the update includes the latest emoji set by reviewing release notes and Unicode emoji version changes.

Verify your current iOS version

After updating, confirm your iOS version in Settings > General > About > Software Version. Compare this version to the version called out in Apple’s release notes and the Unicode emoji changelog for the target emoji set. Note that features and emoji availability can differ between iPhone models and between iOS versions, so check compatibility for your specific device. If an update is available but you choose not to install it, newer emojis will not appear on your device.

Confirm the Unicode and emoji changes

Emoji are standardized by Unicode and rolled into iOS through Unicode releases. To verify that a coming update will add new emojis, consult the official Unicode emoji changelog and the corresponding release notes from Apple. These sources list which characters are added, which are improved, and which are deprecated. Cross-reference the Unicode emoji version with the iOS version to understand which devices will receive the changes. This step matters when deciding whether to update immediately or wait for bug fixes, and it helps explain why some expected emojis might not yet be available on iPhone.

Install and verify the emoji update

Once you install an iOS update that includes emoji changes, restart your device and open apps such as Messages or Notes to confirm the new emojis appear in the emoji keyboard. If an emoji keyboard appeared after an earlier update, a new software update may add characters without changing the keyboard layout. To verify, open the app where you use emoji, long-press the globe or emoji icon to switch keyboards, then scroll through categories to find recently added emoji. If the emojis still do not appear after updating, check regional and language settings, ensure Predictive or QuickType is not hiding characters, and confirm you are using the latest stable build of iOS.

Check regional and language settings

Some emoji availability can be influenced by region and language settings on the device. Certain emoji may show differently or be associated with specific keyboards. In Settings, go to General > Keyboard > Keyboards to manage and add emoji keyboards if needed. Confirm that your device language and region are set appropriately for your locale, as this can affect which emoji subsets are presented by the system.

Troubleshooting missing emoji

If expected emoji are not visible after updating, first confirm that you are running the latest supported version of iOS for your model. If you already run the latest version and the emoji still do not appear, try toggling Airplane Mode on and off, restart the device, and check again. Reinstalling or resetting keyboard settings via Settings > General > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary can help if customizations interfere. As a last resort, ensure you have a current backup and then re-install iOS to refresh system components without losing user data.

Summary of actions

Getting new emojis on iPhone centers on updating to the latest iOS version that includes the Unicode emoji changes, confirming device compatibility, and verifying the update includes the characters you want. Regularly check Software Updates, review official release notes for iOS and Unicode changes, and confirm the emoji update by testing in Messages and other apps. This evergreen workflow ensures you receive new emoji additions as soon as Apple delivers them for your device.

• Update iOS to the latest supported version for your device.
• Review Unicode and Apple release notes to confirm emoji changes.
• After updating, test in Messages and Notes to verify emoji appearance.