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Unicode 11.0 is officially finalized, includes 157 new emojis for 2018

Unicode 11.0
Emojipedia
Emojis have become essential to crafting the perfect text, so it is no surprise that the library only keeps growing. Along those lines, Unicode has announced the official Unicode 11.0 list for 2018, which offers a library of 157 new emojis — and yes, redheads are included.

In honor of the published list, Emojipedia released a video showcasing what each emoji is expected to look like. The latest list features a range of popular additions including a cupcake, sliced bagel, lobster, and mosquito. Under smiley faces, there is one with a party hat surrounding by confetti and one blushing with four hearts surrounding it.

As Unicode releases more emojis throughout the years, the options are becoming more inclusive — offering men and women in a variety of occupations and with a variety of physical traits.

When the beta list was unveiled, Unicode 11.0 had a person with red hair, white hair, and curly hair listed as possible choices in terms of people emojis. The official list includes all of those hair options for each skin tone, with the addition of bald men and women as well.

Other emojis on the list feature a wide variety of superheroes and supervillains, along with more miscellaneous items like a lab coat, teddy bear, magnet, and a puzzle piece.

In December, a proposed update was also published in Unicode’s emoji documentation regarding emoji direction. The section of the document mentioned an “emoji with glyphs that face to the right or left may face either direction, according to vendor preference.” While there hasn’t been any news on whether or not this plan is still in the works, there might still be hope that emojis in the future, such will be able to face left or right.

Emoji users have apparently been requesting to be able to flip emoji direction for a long time now. If it’s ever approved, it will most likely only apply to emojis that would benefit from the feature the most.

With the debut of the final list, users can expect the new emojis to roll out in June. They will be available on major platforms like Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, and Google.

Updated on February 8: Unicode official Unicode 11.0 list of emojis for 2018.

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