Next week’s release of iOS 11.1 beta to developers and public testers has one fun change in store: literally hundreds of new emoji. Apple revealed some of the upcoming characters today, which are Apple’s take on the approved Unicode 10 standard.
In addition to the traditional smilies seen above (in a variety of skin tones), there are new animals and creatures. The smiling hedgehog (see below) is an instant winner, and the dinosaur is sure to be popular with kids.
Finally, Tolkien and “Dungeons and Dragons” fans will have wizards available for emoting, while mermaids are sure to be popular at the seashore and near swimming pools.
Expect to see new food, new clothing options, and the ever-popular zombies coming to your emoji keyboard. In addition, there will be an ASL gesture emoji for the phrase “I love you”, and even someone in the lotus position.
