The Unicode Consortium Unveils Nine New Emoji Designs for Unicode 18

Summary

Unicode Emoji Subcommittee Chair Jennifer Daniel previewed nine upcoming emoji designs for the Unicode 18 standard ahead of World Emoji Day

New candidates include a "Cracking Face" representing a facade of positivity, a "Meteor" designed to look like a flaming meatball and a "Monarch Butterfly"

The release also features a lighthouse, an eraser, a net with a handle, a pickle and two new hand gestures with thumbs pointing left and right

The Unicode Consortium is preparing to expand our digital lexicons with a fresh batch of graphics for the Unicode 18 standard. Ahead of World Emoji Day on July 17, Unicode Emoji Subcommittee Chair Jennifer Daniel provided an early look at nine upcoming designs.  These latest proposed additions reflect a culturally aware approach to digital communication. Such new options aim to capture complex emotions, existential dread and nuanced situations that standard smiley faces struggle to convey.

One standout addition is the Cracking Face emoji. Officials at the Unicode Technical Committee originally approved a Face with Squinting Eyes option late last year before replacing it with the crumbling visage in January 2026. The new design depicts a smiling face fracturing into pieces. It serves as a visual representation of a failing facade and provides a darker alternative to the heavily used Melting Face. This graphic captures the exact tension between a positive public persona and a deteriorating private reality.

The upcoming release also introduces a distinct Meteor character to resolve a long-standing debate in the digital space. Previously, the existing Comet emoji debuted as a sparkling blue ball of ice before facing unauthorized redesigns that transformed it into a red, hot rock. Unicode 18 forces a permanent reconciliation by providing the flaming meatball aesthetic its own dedicated space as the Meteor. This maneuver allows the Comet to revert to a uniform celestial blue across all operating systems. Users can now deploy the Comet for wishes while reserving the Meteor to signal cosmic finality or catastrophic group chat arguments.

Cross-platform fragmentation receives another fix through the introduction of the Monarch Butterfly. Individuals historically texted a Monarch on certain phones while recipients viewed a blue Morpho. That blue insect is globally locked in as a symbol of manicured aesthetics. By contrast, the distinct orange and black Monarch finally gets its own code point to represent generational resilience.

The remaining roster rounds out with highly specific tools for everyday digital friction. A new Pickle emoji arrives to help texters visually communicate that they are trapped in a tricky situation without needing to type a lengthy explanation. Other additions include a Lighthouse, an Eraser, a Net With Handle and two new hand gestures featuring thumbs pointing left and right. Unicode 18.0 is scheduled for release on September 15, 2026, and is currently finishing its final review period.