WhatsApp beta adds new Unicode 17.0 emoji support on Android
WhatsApp is rolling out new emojis from Unicode 17.0 in the latest beta update for Android. This update makes it easier for users to express new emotions directly from the built-in emoji keyboard.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | New emojis from Unicode 17.0 |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.13.5 has been designated as a compatible update. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming days. |
| Thanks: | FastenM, Muhammad Hammad, and kingcyrious, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is rolling out address book profile photo fallback feature! |
WhatsApp introduces new emojis from Unicode 17.0
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.15.6 update, we announced 8 new emojis from Unicode 16.0. This update allows users to access the latest emoji standards directly on WhatsApp, without relying on third-party keyboards. The new additions let users share new expressive and symbolic designs. These include face with bags under eyes, fingerprint, leafless tree, root vegetable, harp, shovel, splatter, and flag for Sark.
It appears that WhatsApp is introducing additional emojis from the latest Unicode. This update is expected to make it easier for users to express new emotions through different visual symbols. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.13.5 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that adds new Unicode 17.0 emojis directly to the built-in keyboard.
As you can see from the attached image, some beta testers can access new emojis from Unicode 17.0. In the past few weeks, WhatsApp has already added these emojis in the Android app. However, they were not available in the keyboard. Since iOS 26.4 had not been released to the public yet, there was no real need to make them already selectable in the keyboard on Android. Now that iOS 26.4 is officially available, WhatsApp has fully integrated these emojis into the built-in emoji picker. So this integration finally lets some beta testers access and send them easily from the Android app.
The new emoji set includes a Distorted Face. It captures dizziness, confusion, or overwhelmed feelings. The Ballet shoes emoji can be used to talk about dance performances, ballet classes, or any event where dancing is central. The orca emoji adds a cool ocean vibe. It is great for those users who love the sea, but even for sharing messages about conservation. This species had previously been missing from the available emojis, so its addition is a great update for fans of marine life. In the emoji keyboard, there is an emoji called "Hairy Creature". It is inspired by the Bigfoot and the Yeti.
Landslide is one of the new emojis. If something suddenly turns out of control, user may send this emoji to highlight this situation. Instead, the Fight Cloud emoji shows a cloud with stars that make it look like something chaotic is happening. Users can send the Fight Cloud emoji to illustrate a battle, but even a simple collision.
The Trombone is a large brass instrument with a sliding mechanism. This emoji is perfect to share love of music or during festive occasions. The emoji keyboard also includes the emoji "Treasure Chest". It shows a chest with metal bands and a lock at the center. It contains gold, gems, or other treasures, and it is often associated with pirates. Users can use this emoji in their conversations about adventure, wealth, and rewards.
With this update, WhatsApp is making it easier for users to find the best way to express new emotions directly from the built-in emoji picker. These new emojis help users keep their messaging experience modern and consistent across devices that support the latest Unicode standards. As a result, users can easily share more themed messages using the full emoji set. This also reduces confusion when sharing these new emojis with others on different platforms, since everyone can now see and share the same emoji.
The feature that adds new emojis is available to some beta testers who install the latest WhatsApp beta for Android update from the Google Play Store. Note that these new emojis may not be visible to all users immediately. WhatsApp is gradually rolling them out, so access might be limited at first. Over the next few days, more users should be able to find and share them directly from the built-in emoji keyboard.
Stay Connected with WABetaInfo
Follow WABetaInfo on X to stay informed about new features and updates. We love hearing your feedback, so please let us know what you think! You can also visit our About page to explore all our services and keep up with the latest announcements.