Apple introduces emoji diversity options with latest iOS 8.3, OS X 10.10.3 betas

By AppleInsider Staff

Starting with the latest betas of iOS 8.3 and OS X 10.10.3, new alternate skin color options are available when selecting emojis of people and faces. In addition, Siri has added a host of new languages on iPhone and iPad.

The diversity options for emoji can be selected by clicking or tapping and holding on any character. From there, a pop-up menu will present skin tones in a wide range.

The new emoji options can be found in the second betas of both iOS 8.3 and OS X 10.10.3, both of which were supplied to developers on Monday. By default, the skin color when selecting an emoji is yellow.

In addition, Apple has also added emoji icons for flags for a variety of new countries.

The company also made a few Apple-centric emoji updates, using the Apple Watch to represent the "watch" icon, while the iPhone 6 is used for the "mobile phone" emoji. The "personal computer" icon is also represented by a small iMac all-in-one desktop.

The latest update follows up on a change in iOS 8.3 beta 1, which made it easier to scroll through emoji. The forthcoming update for iPhone and iPad will allow users to quickly swipe through icons to find the one they are looking for.

Developers testing the second beta of iOS 8.3 has also added support for Siri in new languages. The voice-driven personal assistant has gained New Zealand English, Indian English, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Dutch, Danish, Thai, and Turkish.