Amidst a slew of Android and Gemini feature releases at the ongoing Android Show I/O Edition 2026, Google has also refreshed how emojis on Android will look going forward. The new update adds more character to Android emojis and enables users globally to chat using 3D emojis in a more expressive and interactive manner.
Emojis on Android Now Have a New 3D Look
Google has showcased the new look of emojis on Android and they now boast a three-dimensional structure and appear slightly more realistic with the added glossy texture. The new designs also use gradients, shadows and expressive facial features.
Image Credit: Google
Image Credit: Google
As it is evident from the above image on the left, instead of the flat and dull look that emojis on Android had for the longest part, the new update gives them the Apple and Microsoft treatment by making them truly "Expressive". Google claims that these new emojis add a "touch of physicality" to digital conversations, making them more realistic.
For example, emojis of food items appear a bit glossy and the textures on the Cat and Octopus emoji now try to mimic their real-world counterparts. Besides, the new emojis also evoke stronger expressions, which are in line with Google Material 3 Expressive makeover for Android.
That said, the new 3D emojis on Android will officially arrive later in 2026, starting with Pixel phones like the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro Fold and more. It will then gradually roll out to other Android smartphones, expanding the new expressive and 3D emoji experience worldwide.
