WhatsApp for Android Update Finally Rolling Out With New Emojis

WhatsApp users on Android have finally started receiving an update that adds much-awaited new emojis to the app. WhatsApp for Android version 2.12.441 is gradually being made available to download via Google Play, adding a number of emojis with new facial expressions as well as new characters. We can expect the update with new emojis to rollout soon in India.

Notably, the same update was available via signed APK since December and has been available to some users for months now.

Some of the new emojis introduced with the latest app version include spider, unicorn, popcorn box, champagne bottle, racing cars, medals, and volleyball among others. The new update also adds a new detective emoji to the facial expression tab. Previously, WhatsApp for Android included only five tabs for emojis apart from a recently used tab. In the latest version there are eight tabs with new sports, flag, bulb, and a separate beverage tabs. The update was first reported by Android Police.

The new set of added emojis to WhatsApp seems to be from Unicode 7 and Unicode 8 which previously debuted on Apple's mobile operating system with the iOS 9.1 update.

Unfortunately, the Google Play India still lists an old version but we can expect the latest version to rollout soon in the country. The update listed in the store says it adds backup and restore options for chat history and media via Google Drive, and also adds a new 'Starred Messages' feature. Both these features were rolled out last year.

Earlier this month, the Facebook-owned messaging service WhatsApp announced that it now had 1 billion monthly active users.