# Inclusive Emoji Collections Apple's 2018 Emoji Collection Features 13 Accessibility-Focused Icons By Ell Smith | Published 2018-03-27 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2018-emoji References: [hypebae](https://hypebae.com/2018/3/apple-new-accessibility-emojis-release) & [emojipedia.org](https://emojipedia.org/apple/) Recently Apple announced its expansive 2018 emoji collection, and now, the company has informed consumers that 13 of the 157 new characters will feature an accessibility-focused design. In order to ensure that people were being properly represented, Apple teamed up with the [American Council of the Blind](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ges-access-kit), the [Cerebral Palsy Foundation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remarkables) and the [National Association of the Deaf](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-council-of-the-blind). The small but inclusive set of emojis will feature a guide dog, characters with hearing aids, a prosthetic arm, wheelchairs and more. According to Apple, "Emojis are a universal language and a powerful tool for communication, as well as a form of self-expression, and can be used not only to represent one’s own personal experience, but also to show support for a loved one.” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Accessibility-focused Emoji Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop more inclusive and diverse emoji designs that represent various disabilities and promote inclusivity in digital communication. - **Partnerships with Advocacy Organizations:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with disability advocacy organizations to ensure accurate representation of disabilities in emoji collections, improving accessibility in digital communication. - **Expanding Representation in Communication:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore ways to expand the range of emojis to include diverse identities, experiences, and abilities, enabling more inclusive and effective communication. ### Who This Affects Most - **Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate inclusive emoji designs into messaging apps and social media platforms to foster better representation and accessibility for users. - **Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create and promote universally accessible user interface designs that provide easy access to diverse emojis, contributing to inclusive digital experiences. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize inclusive emoji designs in marketing campaigns and advertisements to connect with diverse audiences and promote inclusivity as a brand value. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Enhanced Accessible Phone Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessibility-nutrition-labels.md) - [Tech Accessibility Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessibility-features.md) - [Tactile Braille Emoticons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-emoticons.md) - [Visually Inclusive Smartphone Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bold-assistive-access.md) - [College-Focused Accessibility Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/im-not-remarkable.md) - [Accessibility-Centered Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apples-holiday-ad.md) - [Retro-Inspired Animated Stickers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animated-stickers.md) - [Adaptive Computer Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adaptive-computer-accessories.md) - [Enhanced Screen Reader Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enhanced-screen-reader-controls.md)