Apple’s iOS 18.4 update adds a new selection of emoji, enhancing expressive options for iPhone users with images that include a weary-looking face, a shovel and the flag of Sark.

The software update, released this week, also introduces Apple Intelligence tools, a redesigned photo app and additional personalization features for music and image editing.

The Context

Apple’s implementation of emoji, which are created by the Unicode Consortium, often signals a broader industry rollout. Emoji are an important part of online communication, and the addition of new options often sets the trend for future additions.

What Are the New Emoji in iOS 18.4?

The following emoji were added in the iOS 18.4 update:

• Face with bags under eyes
• Flag of Sark (a self-governing island in the Channel Islands)
• Root vegetable
• Fingerprint
• Shovel
• Leafless tree
• Splatter
• Harp

In total, the update introduces more than a dozen emoji, including skin tone variations and additional gender-inclusive options, though Apple has not listed all modifications publicly.

The emoji updates arrive alongside more functional enhancements in iOS 18.4. These include new photo-sorting tools, ambient music playlists accessible through Control Center and support for expanded Apple Intelligence languages. Users can now disable “Recently Viewed” and “Recently Shared” collections in Photos settings and sort albums by date modified.

Apple is also preparing additional updates to iOS and iPadOS to launch later this year, including continued integration of Apple Intelligence and cross-platform tools for visionOS. Emoji updates in iOS 19 are expected to follow the next Unicode release, likely in early 2026.

What People Are Saying

Apple said on its website: “With a tap of your finger, you can bring words to life with emoji. … With predictive text, you can write and complete entire sentences with just a tap. As you type, you’ll see choices for words and phrases you may type next, based on your past conversations and writing style. You’ll also see suggestions for emoji that you may want to use. To use a Predictive emoji, write your message and look for the suggested emoji in the predictive input field, then tap it to replace the word or add an emoji.”

What Happens Next

The update is available for all iPhones that support iOS 18, beginning with iPhone XS and newer, although some Apple Intelligence features are exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max and all iPhone 16 models.

The emoji introduced in iOS 18.4 are expected to become standardized across other platforms in coming months as Android and other systems roll out their own updates.