2026/2027 Emoji List Update Possible This Week
The Unicode Emoji Standard & Research Working Group (ESR) is poised to revise its draft list of emojis this week. This update involves the potential replacement of the proposed Face With Squinting Eyes emoji with a new Cracking Face emoji. The ESR had previously included the Face With Squinting Eyes in its draft for Emoji 18.0, as outlined in a report from late 2025.
Upcoming Emoji Changes for Emoji 18.0
The ESR’s latest recommendation suggests significant alterations to the draft emoji list. As part of the update, nine new characters were proposed for approval by the Unicode Technical Committee (UTC). Among these, the Face With Squinting Eyes emoji is under scrutiny and may be replaced by the Cracking Face emoji.
- Current proposal: Cracking Face emoji
- Previous emoji: Face With Squinting Eyes
If approved, this will mark the second consecutive year in which the draft emoji recommendations have been modified during the public review phase. Last year, the Apple Core emoji was also removed during the review process.
Unicode Technical Committee’s Role
This week marks the first meeting of the UTC for 2026. The committee convenes quarterly to discuss various topics related to the Unicode Standard, including proposed emojis. The ESR’s latest report will be a central topic of discussion.
The UTC’s approval is necessary for any changes to the emoji list. This ongoing review process allows for the possibility of additional emojis being added or removed before the finalization of Emoji 18.0, expected in September 2026.
Future Proposals and Guidelines
Anyone interested in submitting an emoji proposal can do so for free, with the next submission window starting on April 2, 2026. Successful emoji proposals must meet specific criteria, including:
- Demonstrating expected frequency of use
- Maintaining broad cultural relevance
- Exhibiting distinctiveness from existing emojis
- Aligning with existing emoji concepts and naming conventions
The acceptance rate for proposals varies, as each cycle involves a detailed review process. Only a limited number of submissions are recommended for encoding by the ESR.
Supporting Unicode
The Unicode Consortium relies on membership fees and donations for funding. It also offers an Adopt A Character program, allowing individuals and organizations to sponsor specific emojis or characters within the Unicode system. With over 151,700 characters available for adoption, this initiative supports the consortium’s mission to enhance global communication through the encoding of new emojis.
