Update (Sept. 17): The new emojis are only available to Beta users, as it will be part of the iOS 9.1 update. The link to become a beta user and get it now is here.
Gone are the days of archaic emoticons, using a colon for eyes and parenthesis for a mouth. “emojis” have become a staple in modern day conversation. Where one word, or phrase have been used to describe a feeling, activity, etc. emojis have replaced them — but only to a certain degree.
After several updates and additions, including an multiracial skin tone modifier, the emoji faithful continue to gripe about the lack of several obvious additions. This has lead to some improvisational uses for existing emojis (cactus as a middle finger, and eggplant as…well you know.)
Now Apple will welcome over 250 new emojis, including an eye rolling smiley, a mortorcycle, several nation’s flags and finally, the middle finger.
The new emojis are available right now for those who update to iOS 9.1 Beta, exclusively available for Apple users who have signed up for their Beta program which you can apply to here. The Beta program also includes the forthcoming OS X “El Capitan” operating system for Macbook users, ahead of its September 30 launch date. The official iOS 9 update is also now available for iPhone and iPad which will feature the new emojis as well.
Downloading the official iOS 9 update is simple:
Go to Settings > General > Software Update, then follow the on screen prompts.
Check out some of the new emojis above and the other features you can expect from iOS9 here.
Please join us and attend the Second Annual SOURCE360 Festival & Experience in Brooklyn, September17-20th. SOURCE360 celebrates the innovation and creativity inspired by the positive use of Hip-Hop and represents NYC’s and Brooklyn’s diverse cultural tapestry! Last year’s SOURCE360 featured over twenty events and took place over a four-day period. It was a big success for the borough and attracted over 30,000 attendees. We hope to make this year’s event even better! For more information, be sure to check out our official press release and details here.
