Google Pixel phones get a fresh emoji makeover
Google just dropped a big emoji update for Pixel users in the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.
The new look brings several emojis much closer to what you'd see on iPhones, with tweaks rolling out first to beta testers.
What's changed?
Facial emojis like Melting Face, Face Exhaling, Nauseated Face, Cold Face, and Loudly Crying Face have all been revamped—think simpler expressions and subtler details.
Animal and object emojis got some love too: Raccoon, Tropical Fish, Zebra, Flashlight, Loudspeaker, Foot, and Bacon (now with two strips) all look a bit different.
Why the redesign?
Observers note that these changes make Pixel's emojis feel more modern and in line with iOS.
For example, Cold Face lost its snow detail and Loudly Crying Face now has a smaller mouth—little things that add up to a cleaner vibe.
The update is live for beta users on select Pixels right now.
Still waiting on new Unicode 17.0 emojis
If you were hoping for brand-new faces like Distorted Face or Orca from Unicode 17.0—they're not here yet.