Subtle visual updates arrive on Pixel devices
Google has quietly refreshed a number of emoji designs as part of the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 update, now rolling out to Pixel phones. While the company previously revealed its upcoming Unicode 17.0 emoji additions earlier this year, this update focuses instead on visual refinements to existing emoji rather than introducing new characters.
The changes apply specifically to Google’s emoji set on Android, which has evolved gradually over time through small design tweaks and stylistic shifts. Users running the latest QPR3 beta can already see the updated emoji across the system.
Updated face emoji designs
Several face emoji received minor but noticeable design adjustments. These include Melting Face, Face Exhaling, Nauseated Face, Cold Face, and Loudly Crying Face. In most cases, the updates soften exaggerated expressions and simplify visual elements.
For example, the Face Exhaling emoji now appears from a more forward-facing angle, while the Loudly Crying Face features a smaller mouth that more closely resembles Apple’s interpretation. The Cold Face emoji removes the snow detail on top of the head, resulting in a cleaner and less stylized look.
Shift toward a familiar iOS style
A clear theme across the updated designs is greater alignment with Apple’s emoji aesthetic. Google’s previous emoji style often leaned toward exaggerated or cartoon-like expressions, but the new versions adopt a more restrained and familiar look for users switching between platforms.
This trend is particularly noticeable in emoji such as Melting Face, Raccoon, and Flashlight. Each has been adjusted to resemble Apple’s designs more closely, reducing visual differences between Android and iOS emoji sets.
Broader changes beyond faces
In addition to facial expressions, dozens of other emoji have been refreshed. According to Emojipedia, updates include animals like the raccoon, tropical fish, and zebra, as well as objects such as the flashlight and loudspeaker. Even food emoji received attention, with the Bacon emoji now featuring a second strip to match Apple’s version.
These changes are visible in the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 release across supported Pixel devices. Notably, the updates appear tied to the system version rather than the keyboard app itself, as differences can be seen between devices running QPR3 beta and those still on the stable QPR2 release.
Unicode 17.0 emoji still missing
Despite the design refresh, the new Unicode 17.0 emoji set has not yet been enabled in Android 16 QPR3. Characters such as Distorted Face, Orca, and Trombone are currently unavailable for use, though they can be previewed in browsers.
These new emoji are expected to arrive in a future update, likely closer to the final Android 16 release. For now, QPR3 focuses on visual consistency rather than expanding the emoji catalog.
What this means for Android users
While the updates are subtle, they reflect Google’s broader effort to make Android feel more familiar and visually consistent across platforms. For users who regularly communicate with iPhone or Samsung Galaxy devices, the refreshed emoji designs reduce cross-platform differences and potential confusion.
