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A Reddit user says Google’s redesigned Noto 3D emojis appeared on their Pixel 6a, suggesting the designs may be reaching older phones. The rollout has not been widely observed, and Google’s broader plan is to bring the emojis to Android devices and apps from multiple manufacturers.
Google’s Noto 3D emojis have reportedly appeared on a Pixel 6a, an older phone, suggesting the redesigned designs may be starting to roll out beyond the Pixel 11 series. The report comes from a Reddit user and has not been confirmed as a broad rollout; checks of two newer Pixel models did not find the emojis available.
The Pixel 6a owner said their emoji selection had changed to show the new designs. They believe the update arrived through a system update, rather than through Gboard, but that explanation is their assessment and has not been independently confirmed. The report was spotted on Reddit and also covered by 9to5Google.
Google introduced the Noto 3D emoji design alongside Android 17 and the Pixel 11 series. The updated artwork gives emojis more depth and a three-dimensional appearance. Google says the designs are intended to help emojis express emotions and look more distinctive.
The reported Pixel 6a change is the first sign in this account that the new designs could be reaching older Pixel phones. However, Android Central checked a Pixel 9a and a Pixel 9 Pro, both running the latest Android 17 software and Google Play system update, and neither showed the new emojis. That points to a rollout that may be limited or inconsistent so far.
Google’s New 3D Emojis May Be Reaching Older Pixel Phones
A Pixel 6a owner says Google’s redesigned Noto 3D emojis appeared on their phone. It could signal a wider rollout, but the report is unconfirmed and availability remains inconsistent.
One Reddit user says their emoji selection changed.
No broad release or schedule has been announced.
A possible move beyond the newest Pixels
The redesigned emoji style debuted alongside Android 17 and the Pixel 11 series. A Pixel 6a owner now says the new artwork appeared in their emoji selection, offering an early hint that older devices may be included.
One Pixel 6a
The owner says their emoji selection changed to show the Noto 3D designs. The report appeared on Reddit and was covered by 9to5Google.
Not independently confirmedStill unclear
The owner believes the change came through a system update rather than Gboard. That explanation has not been verified.
Mechanism unknownMore depth
Google’s refreshed emoji artwork adds a three-dimensional look intended to make expressions more distinctive.
Google’s stated design aimReports point to uneven availability
Android Central checked two newer Pixel models running the latest Android 17 software and Google Play system update. Neither showed the redesigned emojis, so the available evidence does not establish a consistent rollout.
| Device or group | Reported result | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 6a | ◔ New designs reportedly appeared | Single Reddit user report |
| Pixel 9a | ✕ Not found | Android Central check |
| Pixel 9 Pro | ✕ Not found | Android Central check |
| Other Android brands | ~ Planned, availability unknown | Google has described a broader plan |
What this means for owners
The Pixel 6a report is an early signal, not proof that older Pixels—or every recent Pixel—have received the update. Google has not provided a schedule.
Designed to reach more of Android
Google has said the Noto 3D emojis are intended to become available through its apps and on devices from several manufacturers. That stated direction does not confirm availability on any particular model.
Arrived with Android 17 and the Pixel 11 series.
A Pixel 6a owner reports seeing the new artwork.
Google says it plans availability across apps and Android makers.
Timing and supported models have not been confirmed.
“The new emojis feature more depth and dimension, making them better at expressing emotions and giving them a more distinctive look.”
— GoogleMultiple Android brands
Google has named Nothing, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Honor and Motorola as part of its intended wider reach.
Not confirmed model by model
The announcement describes a plan. It does not show that the emojis are already available on every listed brand or device.
More devices, or a schedule
Further reports or release details from Google will clarify how broadly and when the designs arrive.
What we know—and what remains open
Have the new emojis reached older Pixel phones?
A Pixel 6a owner says they have. It remains a single user report, not confirmation of a broad rollout.
Are they available on every recent Pixel?
No. Android Central did not find them on its Pixel 9a or Pixel 9 Pro checks.
Did a system update deliver them?
That is the Pixel 6a owner’s assessment. The delivery method has not been independently confirmed.
Will other Android brands get them?
Google says it plans wider availability across its apps and devices from several manufacturers. A schedule and device list are not yet available.
Takeaway: watch for confirmation
The Pixel 6a report suggests access may be expanding, but the rollout is still developing. Owners should not assume their phone is included yet.
Older Pixels May Get New Emoji Designs
If the Pixel 6a report reflects a rollout rather than an isolated change, owners of older phones may not need to buy a Pixel 11 to see Google’s redesigned emojis. That would broaden access to a visible Android feature introduced with the company’s latest phone generation.
The development also matters beyond Pixel owners. Google has said the designs are planned for availability across its apps and on devices from several Android manufacturers. The reported appearance on an older Pixel could be an early sign of that wider effort, although it does not confirm availability on other brands or models.
For now, users should not assume their phone has been included. The results reported across the Pixel 6a, Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 Pro show that access is not yet consistent, and there is no confirmed schedule for a wider release.
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From Pixel 11 to Wider Android
Google launched the Noto 3D emojis with Android 17 and the Pixel 11 series, where the new look was initially associated with the latest Pixel phones. The redesign is a change to the visual style of Android’s emoji, adding dimension compared with the plainer appearance described in coverage of the previous designs.
Google has said it plans to make the emojis available through its apps and on devices from manufacturers including Nothing, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Honor and Motorola. That announcement describes an intended wider reach; it does not establish that the update has already arrived on every listed brand or device. The Pixel 6a report is a separate, user-reported indication that older hardware may be joining the rollout.
“The new emojis feature more depth and dimension, making them better at expressing emotions and giving them a more distinctive look.”
Android 17 system update for Pixel
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Rollout Scope Remains Unconfirmed
It is not yet clear whether the Pixel 6a owner received the emojis as part of a planned, gradual rollout, through a different software change, or under another condition specific to that device. Google has not confirmed the reported installation or provided a schedule for older Pixel models.
The available checks also do not show how many phones have received the designs. The Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 Pro did not have them when Android Central tested, even after the latest Android 17 software and Google Play system update. That small set of observations cannot establish the rollout status for every device. Availability across the Android manufacturers named by Google, and whether a separate app or system update is required, remain unclear.
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Watch for Broader Device Availability
Owners of older Pixels will need to watch for further reports or a Google announcement to learn whether the update is reaching their devices. The Pixel 6a report suggests access may be expanding, but it does not provide a timeline or identify which models are next.
Google’s stated plan to bring the emojis to its apps and phones from other Android manufacturers is the next broader milestone. Until the company gives release details or more devices show the designs, the rollout should be treated as limited and developing.
Source: Android Central
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Key Questions
Have Google’s new 3D emojis reached older Pixel phones?
A Pixel 6a owner reported seeing the redesigned emojis. That is a single user report, not confirmation of a broad rollout.
Which older phone has reportedly received the emojis?
The report concerns the Pixel 6a. The user said the emoji selection had updated, but the exact delivery mechanism has not been verified.
Are the new emojis available on every recent Pixel?
No. Android Central said its checks of a Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 Pro running the latest Android 17 software did not find the new designs.
Will the Noto 3D emojis come to other Android brands?
Google has said it plans to bring them to its apps and devices from manufacturers including Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola, Nothing and others. A release schedule and device-by-device availability have not been provided.
Source: Android Central
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