# Multicultural Emoji Characters Apple Adds Diversity to Its Emoji Keyboard By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2015-02-24 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multicultural-emoji References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/23/8092187/apple-emoji-update-culturally-diverse) & [apple](https://www.apple.com/ca/) As promised, the next [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animated-stickers) iOS 8.3 update will include new, multicultural emoji when it's released to the public this spring. The updated keyboard will feature a skin modifying component, allowing users to change the skin tone of the character they wish to use simply by tapping and holding it. The skin tones were developed in accordance with the [Fitzpatrick](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haut-ai-body-analysis) scale, a Unicode Consortium-approved dermatology standard. Along with ethnic diversity, the new keyboard features same-sex couples in the family category, along with couple's without children. In total, there will be 300 new emojis included in the update. This might seem like an overwhelming amount, but considering the prevalence of [emoji communication](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emojitalk) in today's texting culture, the new characters will be widely welcomed. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 61% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## 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 - **Multicultural Emoji Characters:** Increasing representation and diversity in emoji characters to better reflect the global population. - **Customizable Emoji Skin Tones:** Allowing users to modify the skin tone of emoji characters to personalize their representation. - **Inclusive Emoji Representation:** Including same-sex couples and diverse family structures in emoji characters to promote inclusivity. ### Who This Affects Most - **Technology:** Developing new features and updates for emoji keyboards to enhance user experience and cater to diverse user preferences. - **Social Media:** Integrating culturally diverse emoji characters into social media platforms to enable users to express themselves with more accurate representations. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Utilizing multicultural emoji characters in brand campaigns and advertisements to appeal to a wider audience and showcase inclusivity. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Personalized Animated Emojis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omoji.md) - [Cross-Platform Mobile Emojis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emoji-reactions.md) - [Retro-Inspired Animated Stickers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animated-stickers.md) - [Emoji-Inspired Customizable Web Browsers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customizable-web-browser.md) - [Festive Sticker Packs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pumpkin-emojis-sticker-pack.md) - [Messaging App Color Customizations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whatsapps-color.md) - [Personalized Emoji Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emojibu.md) - [Social Sticker-Making Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whatsapp-7.md) - [Inclusive Custom Avatar Enhancements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quest-avatar.md)