Emoji News Week 20, 2025: Gboard Redesign & iOS Updates Continue to Trend

Emojis Bring Digital Chats to Life

Emojis bring our digital chats to life, and the week of May 12–18, 2025, delivered some exciting 🔥 emoji news! From a sleek keyboard redesign to buzz about new emojis, this week's updates show why emojis rule. Here's the scoop on the latest 2025 emoji trends from that week. Dive in!

📱 Gboard's Emoji Picker Gets a Fresh Look

Google's Gboard keyboard rolled out a slick emoji picker redesign in its beta (version 15.3.06.x), and this week's chatter confirms it's a fan favorite. With larger icons, rounded rectangles, and a unified background, picking your 🐱 Cat or ❤️ Red Heart is now easier than ever. The backspace button's gone, but the cleaner look is a definite hit among users.

The redesign focuses on improved user experience with better visual hierarchy and more intuitive navigation. Users reported that the larger emoji icons make selection more accurate, especially on smaller screens. The unified background creates a more cohesive visual experience that aligns with modern Android design principles. It's currently live in beta and will soon be rolling out to all Android users. See Android Police.

🍎 iOS 18.4's New Emojis Still Making Waves

Apple's iOS 18.4, released in March, introduced eight new emojis, including a tired 😫 Face with Bags Under Eyes. This week, CNET highlighted its popularity, calling it a "superb" addition for expressing exhaustion in our always-on digital world. The update's emojis, like the harp and paint splatter, continue to trend throughout 2025.

The 😫 Face with Bags Under Eyes emoji has particularly resonated with users who find it perfectly captures the feeling of being overwhelmed or tired. Other additions from the iOS 18.4 update include more diverse representation and creative expression options that users have been requesting. Check CNET.

🌟 Why This Week's Emoji News Matters

The week of May 12–18, 2025, shows emojis are evolving fast to meet user needs. Gboard's redesign makes emoji use smoother and more intuitive, while iOS 18.4's 😫 new emojis keep resonating with users months after their release. These updates highlight how emojis continue to shape digital expression in 2025.

Key trends from this week include:

• User Experience Focus: Platforms are prioritizing easier emoji discovery and selection
• Emotional Expression: New emojis are filling gaps in how we express complex feelings
• Cross-Platform Consistency: Both Android and iOS are working toward better emoji experiences
• Community Feedback: User input is driving emoji design and interface improvements

🎉 Join the Emoji Conversation

What's your take on this week's 🎉 emoji news? Drop your favorite emoji or thoughts in the comments or on X. Keep the emoji vibe alive! 🫶 Hugging Face

Stay tuned for more emoji news updates, and don't forget to explore our emoji categories to discover new ways to express yourself digitally!

Sources:
- Android Police (Gboard emoji picker redesign)
- CNET (iOS 18.4 emoji update)