What you need to know
- Google’s new Android 17 emojis add a 3D depth effect, replacing the flatter look from older Android versions.
- A new leak reveals around 250 redesigned emojis, including new faces, animals, food, and drink icons.
- Google is expected to roll out the new Noto 3D emojis first to Pixel phones later this year.
A recent leak has unveiled an exciting glimpse into the upcoming 3D emojis set to debut with the Android 17 update later this year. During The Android Show last week, Google made a noteworthy announcement regarding its redesigned emojis, a move that has been long anticipated by users who have often found Android emojis lacking in vibrancy compared to their iPhone counterparts. With Android 17, Google aims to elevate the emoji experience by introducing the Noto 3D emojis, which promise enhanced depth and dimension, allowing for a more expressive and emotionally resonant communication tool.
While Google initially teased only a select few of these new emojis, the recent leak from RKBDI on X has showcased an impressive collection of approximately 250 redesigned emojis. This extensive array includes fresh emoji faces, a variety of animals, and an assortment of food and drink icons. The leaked images reveal that these new emojis possess a more pronounced 3D appearance, marking a significant upgrade from their predecessors, though they do not represent a complete overhaul of the existing designs.
As of now, Google has yet to initiate the rollout or testing of these emojis on Android 17 beta devices. However, anticipation is building for their appearance in future beta updates. For those using the stable version of Android, it is expected that the redesigned emojis will first make their debut on Pixel phones, likely coinciding with the launch of the Pixel 11 later this year.
Android Central’s Take
Upon reviewing the leaked designs, there is a sense of tempered expectation. While the new emojis certainly showcase improvements, they evoke a resemblance to Samsung’s emoji style, all while retaining elements of Google’s previous designs. Although these updates are a step forward, they may not quite reach the level of sophistication currently offered by Apple, leaving some users hoping for a more radical transformation in the future.
