Google Adds Depth to Emojis with Noto 3D Library Expansion

Google has unveiled its new Noto 3D emojis library, which brings a fresh dimension to digital communication. According to Google's official blog post on September 17, 2026, the company aimed to reimagine nearly 4000 emojis using Noto 3D. This move is part of Google's focus on enhancing the expression an emoji conveys rather than achieving hyper-realism.

The new emojis are designed to add more depth without becoming photorealistic. To ensure that the 3D details don't make the emojis harder to understand, Google conducted multiple large-scale user studies. The results showed that users prefer full-body animals over floating heads and that even tiny changes can turn mild confusion into chaos.

Google also applied an AI-powered contrast tool to analyze emojis at the pixel level, especially for those with darker skin tones, which can be hard to see in dark modes. However, human designers still create the 3D models, using industry-first emoji designs from Noto 3D. The library is now available across Google applications and select devices from brands like Nothing, Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, OnePlus, and more.

The Noto 3D emojis first appeared on the Google Pixel 11 series smartphones before expanding to other platforms. With this move, Google aims to enhance digital communication by adding a new dimension to emojis without compromising their usability.