Google Emoji Update 2018: The Big Shift
The year 2018 marked a massive turning point for Android users. Google fully committed to its new emoji design language, leaving behind the beloved but often confusing "Blobs" for a more standard circular look.
1. Goodbye to the Blobs
While the conversion started in 2017, the 2018 update (Android Pie) finalized the transition. The expressive, gumdrop-shaped "Blobs" were replaced with more detailed, realistic faces that better matched the designs used on iOS and Samsung devices.
2. Emoji 11.0 New Characters
Google added 157 new emojis in 2018, including Redheads, superheroes, and even the controversial "flat" salad emoji (which had the egg removed to make it vegan!). It was a year of major progress for digital representation.
Key Redesign Checklist
- The Cheeseburger: Moving the cheese on top of the patty (finally!).
- Gender Neutrality: First steps toward inclusive person icons.
- Object Realism: More shadows and gradients on everyday icons.
