How to Use iOS 8's Multicultural Emojis

Apple's bringing a touch of diversity to its emoji selection in its latest iOS 8 update. In addition to fixing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth problems as well as orientation, family sharing and CarPlay issues, iOS 8.3 adds a selection of ethnically-diverse emoticons to its keyboard's library. Want to up your texting game by being more inclusive? Here's how to get and use the new iOS emojis. 

1. Update to iOS 8.3. Go to Settings, then General, and select Software Update. Restart your iPhone as instructed.

2. Open your preferred messaging app. Since it's built into the native keyboard library, the emojis will be available wherever you need to type. 

3. Press the Globe icon on the left of the spacebar until you get to the emojis

4. Swipe to the People panel.

5. Tap and hold the image you want, until a bubble appears above it. The new ethnically-diverse symbols are available only in the emojis that look like people or groups of people. They look a bit more golden-yellow than the others. 

6. Select the version of the icon you want. 

And voila. 

Cherlynn Low
Staff Writer
Cherlynn joined the Laptopmag team in June 2013 and has since been writing about all things tech and digital with a focus on mobile and Internet software development. She also edits and reports occasionally on video. She graduated with a M.S. in Journalism (Broadcast) from Columbia University in May 2013 and has been designing personal websites since 2001.