General knowledgeAsked by Anonymous from New York, United States24 Oct 2026, 3:03 AM ISTUpdated
In one line
New emojis are added to phones by a group that decides which symbols to include, and then phone companies update their software to show them.
Emoji — Symbols for emotional cues in text Emoji symbols, which are added to phones after approval by the Unicode Consortium. Image: Wikipedia
The rule
New emojis are chosen by the Unicode Consortium, a group that sets the standard for text and symbols on computers and phones. Once approved, phone makers add them in updates.
Let's understand it simply
Imagine you and your friends want to use a new hand sign in your WhatsApp group. But if only you know it, others won’t understand. So, you all agree on what it means. Emojis work the same way. A world group (Unicode Consortium) decides which new emojis everyone should have, so that a smiley face or dosa emoji looks the same on all phones.
How it works
People send ideas for new emojis to the Unicode Consortium.
The group checks if the emoji is useful and different from others.
If they approve, they add it to the official emoji list.
Phone companies (like Apple, Samsung) update their software to include the new emojis.
When you update your phone, you get the new emojis in your keyboard.
How new emojis reach your phone
Someone suggests a new emoji to Unicode.
Unicode approves and adds it to the list.
Phone companies update their software.
You update your phone and get the new emoji.
The story behind it
The Unicode Consortium was formed in 1991 to make sure computers around the world use the same codes for letters and symbols. Emojis started in Japan in the late 1990s. Now, Unicode decides which emojis are official, so everyone can use the same ones, no matter what phone or app they have.
Where you see it in real life
WhatsApp chats: New emojis appear after a phone update.
Instagram comments: People use new symbols like the 'heart hands' or 'face with mask'.
Android/iPhone keyboards: After updates, you see more emoji options.
Social media posts: Trending emojis like 'teary-eyed smile' or 'bindi-wearing face' are added.
Why it matters
Helps everyone use the same symbols, so messages are clear.
Lets people show feelings, food, or culture (like a cricket bat or samosa emoji).
Makes chatting more fun and colourful.
New emojis can represent more people and cultures (like different skin tones or saree emoji).
Common mistakes
Thinking phone companies make emojis: Actually, Unicode decides, and companies design their own style.
Expecting new emojis to appear without updating the phone: You need a software update.
Believing anyone can add an emoji instantly: It takes months for approval and updates.
Remember it
Unicode decides which emojis are official, and you get them when your phone updates.
Check yourself
Who decides which new emojis are added to phones?
The Unicode Consortium, a group that sets the standard for emojis.
Why do you need to update your phone to get new emojis?
Because phone companies add new emojis through software updates.
Can anyone add an emoji instantly? Why or why not?
No, because emojis must be approved by Unicode and then added by phone companies, which takes time.
Why is it important for all phones to use the same emoji list?
So everyone sees the same symbol and messages are clear.
Quick recap
A group called Unicode Consortium decides which new emojis to add.
People can suggest new emojis, but approval takes time.
Phone companies update their software to include new emojis.
