Emojis have become an integral part of our online language, allowing us to convey emotions, ideas, and even humor in a visually engaging way. With new emojis being introduced regularly, it’s easy to assume that the emoji library is constantly growing. However, what many people might not know is that there are emojis that have been removed from the roster over the years. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of discontinued emojis and explore the reasons behind Apple’s decision to remove them.
Early Emojis: A Brief History
To understand the context of removed emojis, it’s essential to take a step back and look at the early days of emojis. The first emojis were created in the late 1990s by Japanese designer Shigetaka Kurita, who was working for NTT DoCoMo at the time. These early emojis, known as “emoji” (絵文字), which roughly translates to “picture character,” were simple, monochrome, and limited in number. As mobile internet and messaging apps became more widespread, the demand for emojis grew, and new emojis were introduced.
The Rise of Emoji Variations
As different companies and platforms began to adopt emojis, variations started to emerge. Apple, Google, Facebook, and other tech giants developed their own unique emoji designs, which sometimes differed significantly from the original Japanese creations. This led to a proliferation of emojis, with some platforms offering more than others. The Unicode Consortium, a non-profit organization, stepped in to standardize emojis across platforms, ensuring that emojis would display consistently regardless of the device or operating system.
The Unicode Standard
The Unicode Consortium established the Unicode Standard, a unified character encoding system that assigns a unique code point to each emoji. This standardization enabled emojis to be used across different platforms, making it easier for users to communicate and express themselves. The Unicode Standard also introduced new emojis, which were added to the existing library. However, as the emoji library grew, some emojis were removed, and that’s where our story takes an interesting turn.
The Removed Emojis: A Glimpse into the Past
So, what emojis did Apple remove? Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable ones:
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Apple’s Original Emoji Set (2008-2016)
In 2008, Apple introduced its first set of emojis, which were quite different from the ones we see today. The original set included emojis like a smiling face with a halo, a face with a zipper mouth, and a heart with an arrow. These emojis were removed in 2016, replaced by more modern and diverse designs.
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The Gun Emoji (2016-2019)
In 2016, Apple replaced the pistol emoji with a water pistol emoji, citing concerns about gun violence. This change sparked controversy, with some arguing that it was an overreaction, while others praised Apple for taking a stand. The water pistol emoji remained until 2019, when it was removed altogether.
Why Were Emojis Removed?
There are several reasons why Apple might remove emojis from their platform. Here are a few possible explanations:
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Design Updates
Apple regularly updates its emoji designs to make them more visually appealing, modern, and inclusive. As design trends change, older emojis might be replaced with newer, more fitting alternatives.
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Unicode Standardization
As the Unicode Consortium updates its standards, Apple may choose to remove emojis that don’t meet the new guidelines or are no longer part of the standardized set.
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Social and Cultural Concerns
In some cases, Apple might remove emojis that are deemed offensive, culturally insensitive, or inappropriate for certain audiences. The removal of the gun emoji, for example, was likely a response to growing concerns about gun violence.
The Impact of Removed Emojis
The removal of emojis might seem like a minor change, but it can have significant implications. Here are a few ways in which removed emojis can affect users and online communication:
User Confusion
When emojis are removed, users may experience confusion or frustration, especially if they were fond of using the discontinued emojis. This can lead to a temporary disruption in online communication, as users adapt to the changes.
Lost Meaning and Context
Removed emojis can also result in lost meaning and context, particularly if they were used in specific contexts or cultures. For instance, the removal of the smiling face with a halo emoji might cause confusion if it was previously used to convey a specific sentiment or tone.
Design and UX Implications
The removal of emojis can have design and UX implications, as developers and designers need to adapt their apps, websites, and marketing materials to accommodate the changes. This can be time-consuming and require significant resources.
The Future of Emojis
As emojis continue to evolve, it’s essential to consider the implications of removing them. While it’s necessary to update and refine the emoji library, it’s also important to preserve the essence of emojis – to provide a way for people to express themselves and connect with others.
A Call for Emoji Preservation
Perhaps it’s time to consider creating an emoji archive or museum, where retired emojis can be preserved and celebrated. This would allow users to continue using their favorite discontinued emojis, while also acknowledging the evolving nature of online communication.
Emoji Evolution and Innovation
Looking ahead, we can expect to see new and innovative emojis that better represent the world we live in. As technology advances, we might see emojis that are more dynamic, interactive, and customizable. The future of emojis is exciting, and as we move forward, it’s essential to strike a balance between progress and preservation.
In conclusion, the removal of emojis is a fascinating topic that offers a glimpse into the complexities of online communication. By understanding the reasons behind Apple’s decisions and the implications of removed emojis, we can appreciate the importance of preserving the essence of emojis while embracing innovation and evolution.
What were the Emojis: The Vanished Ones?
The Emojis: The Vanished Ones refer to a set of emojis that were once available on Apple devices but have since been removed. These emojis were part of the original set of emojis introduced by Apple in 2011 and were meant to represent different objects, symbols, and gestures. However, Apple decided to remove them from their devices without an official explanation, leaving many users curious about their disappearance.
The removed emojis included a range of characters, from simple objects like a fork and knife to more complex symbols like a ninja and a dinosaur. Some of these emojis were specific to certain cultures or occupations, such as a Japanese Oni mask or a construction worker. The removal of these emojis has left a gap in the emoji landscape, making it difficult for users to express themselves in certain situations.
Why did Apple remove the emojis?
Apple has never officially explained why they removed the emojis from their devices. However, there are several theories floating around online. Some believe that the emojis were removed due to redundancy, with Apple deciding that some emojis were too similar to others or didn’t serve a purpose. Others think that the emojis were removed due to cultural sensitivity concerns, as some emojis may have been perceived as offensive or inappropriate in certain cultures.
Despite the lack of an official explanation, many users have speculated about the reasons behind the removal of the emojis. Some have even started petitions and online campaigns to bring back their favorite vanished emojis. While it’s uncertain whether Apple will ever bring back the removed emojis, one thing is clear: the removal of these emojis has left a lasting impact on the online community and has sparked a renewed interest in the history and evolution of emojis.
When were the emojis removed?
The emojis were removed by Apple in 2016, as part of the iOS 10 update. This update introduced a new set of emojis, including more diverse and inclusive representations of people, animals, and objects. However, in the process, Apple also removed a number of existing emojis, leaving many users confused and disappointed.
The removal of the emojis was sudden and unexpected, with many users only realizing what had happened when they updated their devices to iOS 10. Since then, there has been a growing interest in the vanished emojis, with many users nostalgic for the old characters and symbols. Despite the introduction of new emojis, many users still reminisce about the old days when they could use the fork and knife emojis to represent a meal or the ninja emoji to add a touch of stealth to their messages.
Can I still use the removed emojis?
Unfortunately, it’s no longer possible to use the removed emojis on Apple devices. When Apple removed the emojis, they were completely purged from the system, making it impossible to access them even through third-party apps or workarounds. This means that users can no longer use the removed emojis in their messages, emails, or social media posts.
However, it’s worth noting that some users have found ways to circumvent the removal of the emojis by using third-party keyboards or apps that still support the old emojis. While these workarounds aren’t official or supported by Apple, they do offer a glimpse into the past and allow users to continue using their favorite vanished emojis.
Will Apple bring back the removed emojis?
It’s highly unlikely that Apple will bring back the removed emojis. Apple has never indicated any plans to reinstate the old emojis, and their focus has shifted towards introducing new and more inclusive emojis. In fact, Apple has continued to introduce new emojis with each subsequent iOS update, further solidifying the removal of the old ones.
That being said, there is always hope that Apple may reconsider their decision in the future. If there’s enough demand and pressure from users, Apple may decide to bring back some of the most popular and beloved emojis. However, until then, users will have to make do with the current set of emojis available on Apple devices.
What can I use instead of the removed emojis?
While it’s not possible to use the exact same emojis that were removed, Apple has introduced new emojis that can serve as alternatives. For example, if you’re looking for a symbol to represent a meal, you can use the new “fork and knife” emoji, which is similar to the old one but with a more modern design. Similarly, if you’re looking for a ninja emoji, you can use the new “person gesturing OK” emoji, which has a similar stealthy vibe.
It’s worth noting that while these new emojis aren’t exact replacements for the old ones, they do offer a degree of flexibility and creativity. With a little imagination, users can find new ways to express themselves using the current set of emojis available on Apple devices.
What can I learn from the removed emojis?
The removed emojis offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of language and communication. They serve as a reminder that even the most seemingly permanent aspects of our digital lives can be subject to change and removal. They also highlight the importance of adaptation and flexibility in our online communication.
Moreover, the removed emojis have sparked a renewed interest in the history and cultural significance of emojis. By studying the removed emojis, we can gain insights into the ways in which language and culture intersect and evolve over time.