Calling all iPhone and iPad users, your new and improved emojis are on the way!
Apple’s upcoming iOS 10 update, which is said to be released in September 2016, will bring more than 100 new and redesigned emoji characters, including new female athletes and professionals (ie. weightlifters, detectives, runner, surfer, construction worker, etc), rainbow pride flag, water gun, and single parent families.
Among the redesigned emojis, the water gun emoji stood out the most as the green plastic toy gun will be replacing the revolver emoji. According to The Guardian, the change comes in the wake of continuing gun violence in the US, including the Orlando club shooting.
SMH also reported that Apple received a complaint, filed by Neven Mrgan of Panic Inc., in June, suggesting that “the current pistol emoji is a realistically rendered lethal weapon”. He wrote, “Apple would be doing a service to society by changing this image to a plastic toy gun, such as a bright pink or green water squirter”.
Although it’s uncertain whether Apple took his advice or not, we think that it’s pretty considerate of the technology company to make the change. Then again, its effort welcomed many netizens to question the point:
I’m so glad they did this now ALL THE CRIME IS GONE https://t.co/a8DEhhqRNK
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) August 1, 2016
Apple REALLY got rid of the gun emoji & replaced it with a water gun LMAO
— Robyn (@lilmscreates) August 2, 2016
Eliminating the gun emoji will totally stop bad people from committing crimes. They're world changers over at Apple, guys.
— Bethany Bowra (@BethanyBowra) August 1, 2016
Reminder: The emojis will only be updated with the release of iOS 10.
What do you guys think about Apple’s new emojis? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: Apple, Lowyat.net, SMH, The Guardian / Featured image: The Guardian.
