If you updated to iOS 26.3, you might have been expecting a bunch of shiny new emoji. Truth is… there aren’t any. Apple didn’t ship the Unicode 17.0 emoji set in this update. iOS 26.3 is mostly bug fixes, security patches, and some minor tweaks, with no new emoji characters in the keyboard yet.
What iOS 26.3 Actually Includes
Apple’s release notes for 26.3 focus on stability and fixes. They mention security updates, general performance improvements, and tools like the Android-to-iPhone transfer. Nothing about new emoji. If you were scrolling through the emoji keyboard looking for the latest additions, you won’t find them here.
What’s Coming With iOS 26.4
Here’s where it gets interesting. The Unicode 17.0 emoji have already been finalized, and Apple is expected to include them in iOS 26.4, likely landing in spring 2026. Sources tracking Apple’s update patterns point to this being the update where the new emoji finally appear.
The full list of new Unicode 17.0 emoji expected in iOS 26.4 includes:
- Apple Core
- Distorted Face
- Ballet Dancers
- Fight Cloud
- Trombone
- Treasure Chest
- Landslide
- Hairy Creature (Bigfoot)
- Orca
Once Apple releases them, they’ll appear in the standard emoji keyboard, fully Apple‑designed in style, just like previous updates.
Curious about everything iOS 26 has to offer? You can see the full list of new features in our detailed guide.
Why the Confusion
A lot of sites and social media posts list these new emoji as part of “iOS 26,” which can make it sound like they’re already available. That’s misleading. The truth is, they’re only planned for a future update, and iOS 26.3 is not that update.
So, if you were holding your breath for new emoji in 26.3, relax. They’re coming soon, but not yet.
