A cracked smiling face is expected to stand out among nine new emoji planned for Android and iPhone keyboards. The design gives users a new way to convey a mood that is more complicated than a conventional smile.
The new characters are expected to reach devices through software updates in spring 2027. Their availability will depend on operating system and keyboard support on each device.
Unicode Consortium has finalized the selection of the nine emoji. Jennifer Daniel, chair of the Unicode Emoji Subcommittee, shared early information about the choices in her personal Substack newsletter.
Overview of the 9 New Emoji
| Emoji Name | Indonesian Name | Main Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Lighthouse | Mercusuar | A navigation symbol |
| Eraser | Penghapus | An everyday object |
| Leftwards Thumb Sign | Ibu Jari ke Kiri | A left-facing gesture |
| Rightwards Thumb Sign | Ibu Jari ke Kanan | A right-facing gesture |
| Cracked Smiling Face | Wajah Senyum Retak | A complex emotional expression |
| Net with Handle | Jaring Bertangkai | A handled object |
| Meteor | Meteor | A burning fireball |
| Pickle | Acar | A food item |
| Monarch Butterfly | Kupu-kupu Monarch | An orange-and-black butterfly |
9 Emoji Planned for Release
1. Lighthouse
Lighthouse will add a familiar symbol that has not previously been available as a dedicated emoji. It can broaden the visual options used to communicate direction or a landmark.
2. Eraser
Eraser represents an everyday object that has lacked its own keyboard symbol. The addition expands the range of object emoji related to writing and removing text or marks.
3. Leftwards Thumb Sign
Leftwards Thumb Sign depicts a thumb pointing to the left. It arrives as a counterpart to the thumb gesture facing in the opposite direction.
4. Rightwards Thumb Sign
Rightwards Thumb Sign shows a thumb pointing to the right. The two thumb emoji could appeal to professional wrestling fans because they resemble Rob Van Dam’s iconic gesture.
5. Cracked Smiling Face
Cracked Smiling Face is intended to express a more layered emotional state in daily conversations. The concept was initially proposed as Smiley Face with Squinting Eyes before designers changed it into a cracked face.
6. Net with Handle
Net with Handle will add a handled net to the available emoji selection. Its inclusion shows that the update is not limited to facial expressions and reactions.
7. Meteor
Meteor will be designed as a burning fireball for clearer visual recognition. The appearance is meant to distinguish it from Comet, which is depicted as a blue streak moving across the sky.
8. Pickle
Pickle adds a food-themed character to the global update. It joins the other eight approved emoji in the finalized list.
9. Monarch Butterfly
Monarch Butterfly will use its characteristic orange and black colors. The design is intended to remain distinct from the existing blue Morpho Butterfly.
Designed to Be Easier to Tell Apart
The update aims to add visual choices while reducing confusion between icons with similar forms. The contrast between Meteor and Comet, as well as Monarch Butterfly and Morpho Butterfly, illustrates that approach.
For Android and iPhone users, the new emoji collection will add more options for moods, objects, directions, and brief reactions. The characters are expected to appear only after compatible software and keyboard updates become available in spring 2027.
