With the launch of Android 17 and the Pixel 11 series , Google introduced a new emoji design language. Android users have complained for years that emojis on the platform look rather plain and bland, especially compared to what competitors offer.
What happened
But with Android 17, Google introduced its new Noto 3D emoji design , bringing more depth and a three-dimensional look to emojis.
Where the sources line up
Google says the new emojis feature more depth and dimension, making them better at expressing emotions and giving them a more distinctive look. Until now, these emojis have largely been exclusive to the new Pixel 11 series, but it looks like Google is finally starting to bring them to older Android phones as well.
Practical impact for readers
As spotted by a user on Reddit (via 9to5Google ), the new Noto 3D emojis have reportedly started appearing on the Pixel 6a. The user says their emoji selection has been updated to show the new designs and believes the change arrived through a system update rather than a Gboard update.
Who should pay attention now
Google has so far kept the new emojis exclusive to the Pixel 11 series, but this report suggests the company may have started expanding their availability to older Pixel phones.
What is still unclear
Gemini’s new blurred UI is finally reaching Android phones Beta no more: Nothing OS 5 (Android 17) is rolling out for the Phone 3 Nothing expands Android 17 Open Beta to Phone 4a—full release is two months away That said, the rollout doesn't appear to be widespread just yet. We checked both the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 Pro running the latest Android 17 software, and neither device has received the new emojis, even after installing the latest Google Play system update.
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