In response to recent American gun violence, Apple is making its stance clear on the issue by swapping its hand gun emoji for a harmless water pistol.
Instead of the gray and black revolver, Apple users can expect to see a bright green and orange toy in September when the company will officially make the change. In addition to replacing the gun emoji, Apple will also include better representations of female athletes, single-parent families, and a rainbow flag to celebrate the LGBT community -- with a total of 100 new emojis set to become available.
The company is said to have created the additional representations as a means to appeal to its increasingly diverse users as well as push back against the glorification of violence.
Replaced Gun Emojis
Following Recent Gun Violence Issues, Apple is Opting for a Water Gun Emoji
Trend Themes
1. Gun Control Emojis - The increasing trend towards gun control and violence prevention presents an opportunity for tech companies to develop more empathetic and socially responsible emojis.
2. Diverse Emojis - The trend towards greater diversity and inclusivity in society is driving demand for emojis that accurately reflect different cultures, identities and lifestyles, providing opportunities for companies to innovate in this space
3. Woke Brands - As consumers increasingly demand ethical and socially responsible behavior from brands, companies that take a clear stance on social issues, such as gun control and LGBT rights, can differentiate themselves and appeal to socially conscious consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Tech - The tech industry can benefit from the trend towards socially responsible emojis by developing new, more inclusive designs that reflect the diversity and values of users.
2. Social Media - As social media platforms increasingly rely on emojis to convey emotions and messages, there is a growing opportunity for designers and developers to create new, socially conscious emojis that resonate with users.
3. Consumer Goods - As consumers become more politically and socially aware, companies that take a clear stance on important social issues, such as gun control and LGBT rights, can differentiate themselves and appeal to ethically-minded consumers.