The Unicode Emoji Standard & Research Working Group (ESR) is scheduled to update its draft recommendations for Emoji 18.0 this week. This update may see the removal of the proposed Face With Squinting Eyes emoji in favor of a new Cracking Face emoji.
Recent Changes in Emoji Recommendations
Initially included in the draft list for Emoji 18.0, the Face With Squinting Eyes emoji was part of the ESR report presented in late 2025. The group recommended this emoji during the UTC #185 meeting. However, the upcoming ESR report for UTC #186 indicates a change, recommending the replacement to Cracking Face due to further review requirements.
- Face With Squinting Eyes emoji is being replaced.
- Cracking Face emoji proposed as a new addition.
- Updates expected in September 2026.
History of Emoji Draft Changes
This potential alteration represents the second consecutive year where emoji proposals have been modified during the public review phase. In 2024, the Apple Core emoji was removed from the Emoji 17.0 draft before final approvals in September 2025. It was also excluded from the Emoji 18.0 draft list.
Though such adjustments are rare, they remain possible during the review process for new emojis. Between now and the expected finalization of Emoji 18.0 in September 2026, additional reviews are anticipated, leading to the possibility of further changes.
Unicode Technical Committee Meeting
The Unicode Technical Committee (UTC) convenes quarterly to discuss various topics, including emoji recommendations. This week marks its first meeting of 2026, where the latest ESR report will be evaluated.
- UTC oversees the maintenance and development of the Unicode Standard.
- New emoji recommendations will be part of the ongoing discussions.
- Future changes could include adjustments to emoji proposal submission timelines.
The proposal intake period could shift from April-July to February-May. If accepted, this change would affect the timeline for new emojis starting in 2028, allowing the annual proposal list to be public before final approvals of previous drafts.
Participating in Emoji Proposals
Anyone can propose a new emoji for consideration. The submission process is free, with guidance available from the Unicode Consortium. However, proposals must satisfy specific criteria, such as expected usage frequency and cultural relevance.
The next proposal submission window opens on April 2, 2026. Successful submissions account for a small percentage of proposals, as they undergo rigorous evaluation during each cycle.
Supporting the Unicode Consortium
The Unicode Consortium, a non-profit organization, relies on membership fees and donations for funding. Through their Adopt A Character program, individuals and organizations can sponsor emojis and support the consortium’s mission to encode new characters and support diverse languages.
Currently, over 151,700 characters are available for adoption, providing a vital resource for the preservation of global languages and the expansion of emoji vocabulary.
