While Google may have been leading the charge for more inclusive emoji in its operating systems, it’s Apple that has beat everyone to actually including them.
The company this week announced that “more than one hundred new and redesigned emoji characters will be available to iPhone and iPad users this fall with iOS 10”.
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“This exciting update brings more gender options to existing characters, including new female athletes and professionals, adds beautiful redesigns of popular emoji, a new rainbow flag and more family options,” the company adds.
Related: Facepalm, shrug and selfie emojis could be on their way soon
But something it didn’t mention was the inclusion of a plastic water pistol, which will replace the revolver emoji. It’s probably this that’s making the biggest headlines too.
Many support Apple‘s move to include the water pistol — it will actually remove the revolver from its emoji roster — in light of the recent spate of gun violence across the world. Some also just couldn’t quite resist the temptation for a snarky comment.
“#Apple to replace the pistol emoji
with a green water pistol.”
Anyone else think it should be replaced by this: pic.twitter.com/MmErkNehmL— Star Wars (@StarWarsPR) August 2, 2016
*Apple changes pistol emoji to water gun emoji*
*ISIS gives up AK-47’s and buys Super Soaker Max Infusion Flash Flood Water Blasters*
— Marion Church (@the_barbarion) August 2, 2016
Apple changing the “gun” emoji is extremely dangerous. I playfully send a water gun, and someone else sees a loaded pistol pointed at them?
— i wont date you (@SwiftOnSecurity) August 1, 2016
However, it’s not totally surprising that Apple made this move. The company previously lobbied to block the inclusion of a rifle emoji back in June 2016.
Regardless of your opinion though, you can expect the water pistol and the new emoji to arrive with iOS 10 due for release on iPads and iPhones later this year.
