Ever sent a text and realized you're missing the one icon that actually captures your mood? It’s a classic iPhone struggle. Apple just pushed the latest software updates, and suddenly, the emojis on new iPhone models look a little different—or you're seeing "Genmoji" buttons you never noticed before.
Basically, the way we use these tiny icons is shifting from a static list to something way more personal. It’s not just about the new "distorted face" or the "Bigfoot" icons anymore.
What’s Actually New in the Emoji Keyboard?
If you've updated to the latest iOS 26 builds, you’ve probably noticed some fresh faces. The Unicode Consortium (the group that basically "approves" every emoji on Earth) finalized the 17.0 standard.
Apple tends to roll these out in the spring updates. For 2026, we’re looking at specific additions like the Orca, a Treasure Chest, and that weirdly popular Distorted Face.
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Honestly, the Hairy Creature (which everyone is just calling Bigfoot) is the one getting all the attention in group chats right now. There's also a gender-neutral Ballet Dancer and a Trombone.
But here is the catch.
If you send a new 2026 emoji to a friend who is still rocking an old iPhone on iOS 17, they won’t see a Bigfoot. They’ll see a "glyph not found" box. It’s the ultimate digital divide.
The Evolution of the "Recent" Tab
Most people get frustrated because their "Recently Used" section feels like a mess lately. Have you noticed that? In iOS 26, the keyboard algorithm changed. It doesn't just show what you used five seconds ago.
It tries to predict what you might want based on who you are texting.
If you’re talking to your mom, it might surface the "Heart" or "Home" icons. Texting a coworker? The "Laptop" or "Coffee" icons might jump to the front. It’s supposed to be helpful, but it mostly just confuses people who rely on muscle memory.
Genmoji: The Real Game Changer
Apple Intelligence changed everything. If you have an iPhone 15 Pro or any of the newer iPhone 16/17/18 models, you have access to Genmoji.
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This isn't just a "new emoji." It’s an AI-generated icon.
How to Make One
- Open your keyboard in Messages.
- Tap the Genmoji button (usually a little "plus" or "sparkle" icon near the emoji picker).
- Type something ridiculous. "A squirrel wearing a tuxedo and sunglasses."
- Wait a few seconds while the on-device AI cooks it up.
You get a few variations. You pick one. It’s done.
The weird thing is that Genmoji aren't technically "emojis" in the traditional sense. They are essentially tiny image stickers that behave like text characters. This is why you can’t always use them in third-party apps like WhatsApp or Instagram comments as easily as the standard yellow smiley face.
Why Your iPhone Emojis Look "Off"
A lot of users on Reddit have been complaining that the icons look "larger" or "washed out" in the latest software. This is part of the Liquid Glass design language Apple has been experimenting with.
They added more depth and shading. Some people love it. Others think it looks like a return to the "skeuomorphic" days of 2010.
Common Misconceptions
- "Apple makes the emojis." Sorta, but not really. The Unicode Consortium decides what the emoji is (e.g., "A Pickle"). Apple's designers just decide what that pickle looks like on your screen.
- "I can delete the emojis I don't use." You can't. You're stuck with the trombone and the landslide icon forever.
- "New emojis use more battery." This is a myth. They are just font characters.
Upcoming Emojis for Late 2026 (iOS 27)
Looking ahead to the fall, we're already seeing the draft list for Unicode 18.0. It’s looking pretty niche.
We’re likely getting a Pickle (finally), a Lighthouse, and a Meteor. There’s also a "squinting face" that looks like someone who forgot their glasses.
Apple usually waits until the "point-four" update of an OS to drop these. So, if history repeats, don't expect the pickle until March 2027.
Why the delay?
Apple is meticulous. They don't just copy-paste the Unicode drafts. Their design team, led by people who obsess over "rounding" and "gloss," has to ensure the new icons match the existing library perfectly.
Pro Tips for Managing Your Keyboard
If your emoji keyboard is driving you crazy, you can actually reset it.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary. This wipes out all the "suggested" emojis and the predictions. It gives you a clean slate. You'll have to "train" it again by using your favorite icons, but it beats having a random "Orca" in your top six for no reason.
Also, check your Stickers setting. If you can't see the Genmoji option, it’s usually because stickers are toggled off in your keyboard settings.
Next Steps for You:
- Check your iOS version under Settings > General > About to see if you're eligible for the latest 17.0 icons.
- If you have a Pro model, try creating a Genmoji of yourself—it uses your "People" album in Photos to match your actual face.
- Update your "frequently used" by manually sending your top 10 icons to yourself in a "Me" chat thread to force the algorithm to update.