Google redesigns 4,000 emojis with 3D look for Android 17

Google is overhauling nearly 4,000 emojis from flat, 2D designs to dimensional, 3D versions. The new Noto 3D emoji collection rolls out to Android 17, debuting on Pixel phones later this year before expanding to other Android devices.

The redesign addresses a specific problem. "Our feelings have weight, but they often fall flat when expressed online," Google said in its announcement. The 3D versions add physicality, texture, depth, and shadow to help emotions land harder in messages and posts.

The core emoji designs remain largely familiar. Some icons like the turtle keep their essential character while gaining dimension. Other emojis, like the sunset, underwent bigger visual overhauls.

Google came up with Noto, the open-source emoji standard, over multiple years, kind of, and now this 3D redesign shows up like the biggest visual shake-up since they ditched those colourful blob emojis from the early 2010s.

Google also did a small preview animation, basically to show side-by-side comparisons between the earlier flat versions and the newer textured replacements.

The 3D emojis will be available initially on Google Pixel smartphones before the launch of Android 17 later this year. All other Android-powered devices will get the update later, although Google did not mention a specific date.