Apple is back with another emoji drop, and this time, iPhone users are getting eight fresh symbols to spice up their messages.
From a tired-looking face to a mysterious purple splatter, the iOS 17.4 update has something for everyone. Let’s break down the new emojis and see which ones are bound to become favorites!
The 8 New Emojis You’ll Be Using Soon
With every software update, Apple sneaks in a few new emojis, and this batch is no different. Here’s what’s new in iOS 17.4:
1. Exhausted Face
We finally have an emoji that perfectly captures the universal feeling of being absolutely done. This little yellow face has dark under-eye circles and a furrowed brow—ideal for those “running on three hours of sleep” moments. It’s already being hailed as the emoji that will define 2024.
2. Harp
Music lovers, rejoice! A new harp emoji has made its way onto the keyboard. Some users have joked that it looks suspiciously like the harp from the Guinness logo, but regardless of the inspiration, it adds a nice touch for Irish pride, music enthusiasts, or mythology fans.
3. Shovel
This emoji might come in handy (literally) for gardeners, builders, or anyone who enjoys a good metaphor. Whether you’re digging up some drama or telling someone to “dig deep,” the shovel emoji has a lot of potential.
4. Fingerprint
A hyper-detailed fingerprint emoji is now available, and we’re not sure if it’s more useful for crime-solving discussions or emphasizing the idea of identity. Either way, it’s a unique addition.
5. Leafless Tree
Winter lovers and environmentalists, this one’s for you. The leafless tree emoji could represent autumn, deforestation, or just how lifeless we feel in the middle of a workweek.
6. Radish
For years, fruit and vegetable lovers have begged for more variety, and Apple finally delivered… a radish. While it’s not the most requested produce (we’re still waiting for a garlic emoji), it’s a solid choice for foodies and farmers.
7. Purple Splatter
No one knows exactly what this is supposed to represent. Paint? A stain? Some kind of artistic mess? Apple hasn’t clarified its meaning, leaving it up to users to decide.
8. Flag of Sark
Probably the most unexpected addition, this emoji represents the tiny Channel Island of Sark. Given Unicode’s general reluctance to approve new flags, many are surprised it made the cut.
The Emoji That’s Stealing the Spotlight
Of all the new additions, the exhausted face is the clear winner. Social media is already flooded with people calling it the most relatable emoji of the year. If you’ve ever pulled an all-nighter, struggled through a Monday, or just felt like life is a bit too much, this emoji will be your new best friend.
Mixed Reactions From Users
While many are excited about these new emojis, not all of them are being met with enthusiasm. The flag of Sark has left some users confused—why this specific island and not others? Meanwhile, the purple splatter has sparked debate over its meaning. Some think it represents spilled paint, while others believe it could be a new way to express messiness in general.
Apple’s Future Emoji Plans
If you’re still waiting for that one emoji to complete your collection, don’t worry—more are on the way. Unicode has already approved new emojis, including an orca whale, a fight cloud, an apple core, and even a Sasquatch. Apple is expected to roll these out in a future update. Plus, the upcoming Genmoji feature will let users create AI-generated custom emojis, so we might not have to wait long for the perfect reaction symbol.
Love them or hate them, emojis have become a core part of how we communicate. With the latest iOS update, Apple is giving us even more ways to express ourselves—whether that means showing off your love for radishes or finally having the perfect face to sum up your exhaustion.
Update your phone and start exploring the new emojis today!
You might also want to read: Hidden Meanings Behind Emojis: What You Might Be Sending
