Google presented The Android Show: I/O Edition 2026 on Tuesday, a live stream on YouTube where the company revealed several new features coming to Android 17 this year ahead of next week’s significant Google I/O 2026 event. Google also introduced a few key AI features for Android 17, such as Gemini Intelligence, Gemini in Chrome support for Android, and a Rambler feature for Gboard that employs AI to transform conversational speech into a coherent message. Gboard remains the central hub for emojis, an essential element of contemporary communication. However, Google deemed the emojis in Android 17 required a visual overhaul and showcased an intriguing redesign.
Android 17 will present a new emoji design language known as Noto 3D. As the name suggests, emojis will receive a 3D enhancement. The new emojis are expected to appear superior to the previous Noto versions, based on the examples Google demonstrated during the livestream and online. Google stated in a press release that the 3D emojis will bring “a touch of physicality” to conversations, indicating that it views the redesign as more expressive. “It’s the difference between a message received and a presence felt,” Google elaborated.
The images above and below display the identical set of emojis, as shared by Google, enabling users to compare the current designs (image above) with the Noto 3D upgrade (image below). One can easily observe the more vibrant colors that stand out in the subsequent screenshot, along with the depth effect attributed to the application of light and shadows.
When will 3D emojis be accessible?
Google mentioned that it has meticulously refined nearly 4,000 emojis “to be richer, more delightful, and more true to how you can actually express yourself.” However, Android users will need to wait to utilize them. Google stated during the event that the new emojis will arrive later this year, starting with Pixel devices. This indicates that Google will launch the new design once the first stable version of Android 17 is available. The software is expected to be released later this summer.
It is probable that the Pixel 11 series, also anticipated this summer, will support the new emojis, as well as several earlier Pixel generations that will receive the Android 17 update. Other manufacturers may adopt the new Google emojis within specific Google applications. The company did confirm that the Gboard keyboard app, YouTube, and Gmail will support the Noto 3D emojis. However, some manufacturers might have their own emoji designs for both new and existing smartphones. Furthermore, non-Pixel devices will not receive the Android 17 update simultaneously with Pixels. This implies that some Android users will experience a longer wait for the Android 17 upgrade and the Noto 3D emojis.
Ultimately, when the Noto 3D emoji set is released, it may introduce several new emojis. The Emoji 17.0 set, which is expected to launch in early September, will include 163 new emojis when considering all potential skin tone and gender combinations.
