Google’s redesigned 3D emoji library debuted on the Pixel 11, but might now be slowly appearing on older Pixel devices.
One Pixel 6a user on Reddit shared his new 3D emoji library, noting that his choices switched over from the traditional designs. Given that this is on a Pixel 6a, it signals Google might be slowly switching devices over from 2D to 3D emojis. Only one other commenter shared the same experience, which means the rollout, if it’s actually going live, is very gradual.
Without many other reports, it’s hard to nail down Google’s intended device targets. We know the Pixel 11 is how Google wanted to release the new 3D emoji set, but what comes after has seemed slow. So far, it looks like a majority of devices represented in that thread haven’t received an update. The one user who said they got the new Noto 3D emoji set said they appeared after a Google Play Store update.
Like them or hate them, Google is replacing the standard cartoonish emoji library with 3D designs that closely emulate them on all Pixel devices going forward, starting with Android 17. There are subtle differences across Android’s emoji selection, and they’ll likely take some time getting used to if you’ve been using Android devices for some time.
Has your emoji library updated to Google’s 3D set? Let us know below!
More on Android:
- Galaxy S27 might drop to 8GB of RAM; other Android phones could go back to 4GB
- What’s new in Android’s October 2026 Google System Updates [U]
- iPhone Duo orders are delayed into 2027; here are the Android foldables you should try instead
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.