Apple is adding these 9 new emojis with iOS 26.4 update and people already know which will be the most used
Published on Mar 10, 2026 at 12:46 PM (UTC-4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Mar 11, 2026 at 1:03 PM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Apple is adding these nine new emojis with the iOS 26.4 update, and it’s clear that people already know which will be the most used.
The upcoming iPhone update introduces a fresh set of characters that will soon appear on keyboards everywhere.
Emoji updates are always a big deal because they quickly become part of everyday conversations online.
And even though there are nine new additions this time around, people already think one will dominate group chats.
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Apple is adding these nine new emojis with the iOS 26.4 update
The iOS 26.4 update will bring nine brand new emojis to everyone’s favorite Apple devices, giving users even more ways to react in messages and online.
The new additions include a distorted face, fight cloud, ballet dancers, orca, hairy creature, trombone, landslide, treasure chest, and apple core.
As usual, the lineup is a mix of the practical, the quirky, and the completely unexpected.
Some of them are fairly self-explanatory, like the orca for ocean lovers or the trombone for musicians.
Others feel like they were made specifically for internet culture, especially the fight cloud, which looks exactly like the cartoon dust cloud that appears when characters start brawling.
There are also a few unusual picks, including a mysterious hairy creature that is clearly meant to be Bigfoot and a treasure chest that could easily become popular in memes or gaming chats.
But one emoji is already stealing the spotlight.
Sound the trombone because people already know which will be the most used
The distorted face emoji is quickly becoming the one everyone is talking about.
The expression looks stretched, warped, and slightly overwhelmed, which makes it perfect for reacting to the world’s chaotic and oftentimes distressing news cycle.
That kind of exaggerated emotion is exactly what tends to make an emoji go viral, and it works for awkward situations, stressful moments, confusing messages, or simply reacting to something ridiculous.
The most popular emojis are usually the ones that can fit into almost any situation, and the distorted face seems built for that.
Once the iOS 26.4 update rolls out to more devices, it would not be surprising if this one suddenly starts appearing everywhere.
And if early reactions are anything to go by, the distorted face might end up becoming the emoji people reach for without even thinking about it.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
