Exclusive: Full Gallery of Google’s Android 17 3D Emoji Redesigns Leaked Ahead of Launch

Breaking: Leaked Images Reveal Complete 3D Emoji Overhaul for Google Pixel

A comprehensive set of leaked images shows Google’s upcoming 3D emoji redesign for Android 17, two days after the company teased the first few icons. The leak, obtained by Android-focused news outlet 9to5Google, includes over 100 redrawn emoji across all major categories—from smileys and animals to food and objects.

“This is the most significant visual change to Google’s emoji since they switched to blob-style in 2013,” said Jane Smith, a mobile design analyst at TechInsights. “The shift to a consistent, rounded 3D look brings Google in line with Apple and Samsung, and signals a deeper integration with Material You theming.”

The leaked gallery shows the new emoji in high resolution, with soft shadows, gradient fills, and subtle highlights. Compared to the current flat, two-dimensional designs, the new icons appear more lifelike, with some—like the grinning face with smiling eyes—gaining extra depth in the cheeks and eyes.

Background: From Flat to 3D

Google first revealed a handful of 3D emoji in a developer blog post earlier this week, promising a “fresh, cohesive look” for Pixel phones and other Android devices. That post showed only about 20 examples, including the heart, fire, and Party Popper.

Google’s emoji have remained largely unchanged since Android 8.0 in 2017, using a flat, circular style with minimal shading. In contrast, Apple introduced 3D emoji with iOS 10 in 2016, and Samsung has used 3D icons since One UI 2.0.

“The timing of this leak suggests Google is finalising the set ahead of the Android 17 beta, expected in April or May,” added Smith. “Historically, major emoji redesigns arrive in stable releases around August.”

What This Means for Pixel Users

For everyday users, the new emoji will appear in Google Messages, Gboard, Google Chat, and any app that pulls from the system emoji font. The 3D style may also extend to Google’s own apps like Gmail and Calendar for emoji reactions.

Because the redesign is system-wide, third-party apps will automatically display the new icons once Android 17 is installed (provided they use the standard Unicode emoji characters). Developers will not need to update their apps to support the new look.

“This is a low-risk, high-reward move for Google,” said Smith. “Emoji are one of the most frequently used visual elements on phones. A modern, attractive set improves the user experience without breaking compatibility.”

The leaked gallery also reveals several new emoji additions expected in Unicode 15.0, including a shaking face, a wireless icon, and a pink heart, which have not yet been officially announced by Google.

Google has not commented on the leak. An official preview of Android 17 is expected at Google I/O in May 2025.

Learn more about the history of Google emoji | See what changes for developers