WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.15.6: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.15.6.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is officially releasing 8 new emojis from the latest Unicode 16.0, now available directly in the emoji keyboard!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.6.15 update, we announced that an improved sheet for emoji reactions in chats, groups, and channels was available. This updated interface introduces a more compact grid layout in channels, displaying four reactions per row to minimize scrolling and optimize screen space. Instead, in chats and groups, while the vertical list format is retained to show who reacted to each message, the top tabs have been redesigned to offer a cleaner and more modern interface. In the meantime, WhatsApp has also focused on introducing new emojis to further enrich the messaging experience for Android users. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.15.6 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is officially releasing 8 new emojis from the latest Unicode 16.0!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, 8 new emojis from the Unicode 16.0 are finally available within the emoji keyboard. These include a tired-looking face with bags under the eyes, capturing fatigue or emotional exhaustion in a humorous yet relatable way. There's also a fingerprint emoji, which can be used in contexts related to identity, security, or access. The leafless tree emoji may often be used to represent winter, barrenness, or environmental themes. The root vegetable emoji adds to the growing variety of food symbols, useful in gardening or cooking discussions.

The harp emoji adds a touch of classical music or Irish culture, depending on the context. Then there's the shovel, a practical and versatile symbol perfect for referencing gardening, digging, or hard work. A splatter emoji brings expressive visual flair, often used to indicate mess, creativity, or even metaphorical chaos. Lastly, the update brings the flag of Sark, a small island in the Channel Islands, allowing for more geographically specific conversations or regional identity.

Although these emojis were previously visible when shared by iOS users or accessed through alternative keyboards that supported Unicode 16.0, they weren't available directly from the built-in emoji keyboard on WhatsApp for Android. This limitation made it harder for users to send them directly, even though they could receive and view them without issue. With the latest update, these emojis are finally fully integrated into WhatsApp's own emoji picker, making them easier to find and use in everyday conversations. As a result, this update simplifies emoji access while also aligning WhatsApp with the latest Unicode specifications, ensuring that emoji usage remains consistent, expressive, and up-to-date across platforms.

8 new emojis from the latest Unicode 16.0 are available to beta testers who install the recent update of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store. Be sure to update to the latest beta version to try them out directly from the emoji keyboard.

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