Why Is Apple Refusing to Release a Redhead Emoji?

Emoji’s are a way of communicating with others through technology, like text messaging, social media conversations and e-mailing. They became popular in America when Apple made the system compatible with its products. And, they’ve truly become a way of life.

In the beginning years, many of you might remember her:

 

In H2BAR’s opinion, she certainly passed as an auburn redhead. Many of you who attended a 2015 Rock it like a Redhead beauty event posed with her on the red carpet. But, in late 2015, Apple got rid of her completely. Right around that time, an update gave us this unicorn which is pretty awesome:

..but it isn’t a redhead emoji.

We even listed getting a redhead emoji as a New Years Resolution all redheads should have in 2016.

Yesterday, Apple added 72 new ‘diverse’ emojis but no redheads. And Twitter is not happy:

Redheads are upset because in a world where emojis are (basically) the only way to describe your feelings, it’s impossible to use a blonde or brunette emoji to do so! We’re unsure why Apple hasn’t listened to redheads about this simple request; perhaps there aren’t redheads working on the Apple emoji team to say: “Hey, redheads aren’t in the mix” or maybe they think we can describe ourselves with other emojis. We are unsure.

Here’s to hoping for redhead emojis when Apple releases their next update. Until then, we think we should all follow Jesse Tyler Ferguson‘s lead until we’re finally represented:

 

UPDATE, 11-3-16:

Apple is releasing brand-new and completely redesigned emoji’s, including avocado (avocado toast!), bacon, and croissant — as well as tons of careers for women.

Among the new professions are astronauts, mechanics, and doctors, and there’s also the long-awaited selfie. As far as smileys go, you’ll get a complicated ROFL, sneezing, and lying. There’s also a nauseated face.

..With all of these updates coming our way, *fingers crossed* for a redhead emoji!

Apple hasn’t confirmed a date yet, but you can expect to see them in the coming months. The emoji are available in iOS 10.2, the beta of which is available for app developers to download as of 10-31-16.

UPDATE, 12-16-16:

Apple just released more emoji’s! The new ones include Bowie, the avocado, the clown, and the long-awaited Facepalm emoji. … But no redheads. Here is what Twitter is saying:

Update: 1-19-17

Big News!! Redheads are on the agenda at the next Unicode Technical Committee meeting, hosted by Apple next week. And, a mermaid emoji is releasing this summer. Read it all here.

Update: 1-31-17

The prospect of a redhead emoji was discussed at last week’s Unicode Technical Committee meeting in Cupertino.

Multiple options were presented and the committee has shown a preference for options #1 and #4:

Option #1 appears to be the simplest method, which would involve the creation of a new, standalone “Person With Red Hair” emoji.

Option #4 involves the use of ZWJ Sequences, which could be extended to support additional hair colors (red, purple, pink, etc!)

A revised proposal focussing on these options has been requested and could be discussed as soon as the summer of 2017.

If approved, the earliest a redhead emoji could be made available is mid-2018, in time for Unicode 11.02.

In the meantime, rock that crown, redheads!