Google's new 3D emoji may be reaching older Pixel phones

Google's redesigned 3D emoji may be reaching older Pixel phones. The new set first appeared on the Pixel 11, Google's newest phone. Now at least one person with a Pixel 6a says his emoji switched from the old flat look to the new 3D one. If you own a Pixel, your emoji could change without you doing anything.

What changed

Emoji are the small pictures you add to text messages. Google's older set has a flat, cartoon style. The new set, called Noto 3D, gives the same pictures a rounded, three-dimensional look. A Pixel 6a user posted about the switch on Reddit. He said his emoji choices changed from the traditional designs. He also said the new set arrived after a Google Play Store update.

How far the rollout has gone

So far, the evidence is thin. Only one other commenter in the thread reported the same change. Most devices represented in that thread have not received the update. That points to a very gradual rollout, if it is happening at all. It is hard to say which devices Google plans to include, because few people have reported anything.

Who it affects

Google says the 3D designs will replace the standard cartoon-style emoji on all Pixel devices going forward, starting with Android 17. Android is the software that runs the phone. There are subtle differences across the emoji selection, so the new look may take some getting used to for longtime Android users. The material does not say how friends on other phones will see these emoji.

What to do

Nothing is required. If you want to know whether your phone has the new set, open your emoji keyboard and look. The one user who got the update tied it to a Google Play Store update, so keeping your apps current is the only step that may matter.

What happens next

It is not yet clear whether Google will push the new set to older Pixel models on a set schedule. More reports from owners would show how widely it is spreading.