Say goodbye to this emoji (and for good reasons)
Emoji lovers everywhere have likely already heard the exciting news that we can expect a bunch of delightful changes to our emoji keyboard very soon. But Apple is not simply adding a bunch of really awesome #GirlPower options. It’s also replacing one emoji that’s been around for a long time.
It’s time to say goodbye to the gun and hello to a brand new water gun emoji.
Apple is replacing the pistol emoji with a green water gun in the next version of iOS 10 https://t.co/QEvA2jS1lb pic.twitter.com/CSonJbhsNj
— CNN (@CNN) August 1, 2016
With the ongoing gun violence all over, people have (understandably) reacted pretty strongly to the continuing to have the emoji available for messages.
Some people even started a movement called #DisarmTheiPhone that has made some pretty moving requests to Apple about how removing the emoji would be symbol of limiting access to guns and fighting gun culture in our society. It’d a small gesture, but a powerful one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbXAXYYZJxM?feature=oembed
Apple listened, and the new iOS 10 (which is in beta testing now and will be available in the fall) will no longer have the gun as an option.
It’s not the first time Apple has recognized the power of their emojis and taken a stand about what is available for messaging.
We think it’s awesome Apple is making such a powerful statement and we totally support this decision ?.
