Microsoft has included several redesigned emoji in Windows 10 that resemble Apple's emoji found on iPhone, iPad and Mac, including a wide range of faces and even the "sassy" information desk person (via Emojipedia). The update also includes skin tone modifiers, the middle finger, a new haircut emoji and more, although country flags are still not supported on the upcoming operating system.

Apple vs Microsoft Emojis
Windows 10 is currently available in beta for developers and is expected to be released to the public in July. The latest version of Windows will deliver a unified experience and platform integration that will make it easy to put one device down and continue where you left off on another device. The software update will be free for Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 users for the first year.

Many emoji character sets have been incorporated into Unicode, resulting in the icons being standardized across multiple platforms such as iOS, Android, OS X and Windows. The exact appearance of emojis is then left up to companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google and Twitter to decide. In this case, Microsoft's redesigned emoji and the addition of skin tone modifiers is more uniform with Apple's collection.

Top Rated Comments

thekeyring Avatar
135 months ago
Aren't Emoji's cross platform? So Windows, Android, OS X, iOS etc all need to have similar emoticons or what one user sends to another will be understandable?

I don't want to sent :roll eyes: and have it come through as :mad:
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Crosscreek Avatar
135 months ago
They also include these.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jasoco Avatar
135 months ago
First off, they don't look anywhere similar.

Secondly, they're Emoji. They're supposed to be similar so everyone knows what you're trying to say.

Third, I'm pretty sure Apple didn't invent the yellow circular face smiley.

At least they look better than Android's green robots.

Also, I hate that the FaceBook and Twitter websites force themselves to show their own custom versions instead of Apple's.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ryuok Avatar
135 months ago
Isn't that the point?
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MasterRyu2011 Avatar
135 months ago
I actually prefer the Windows 10 versions. Kudos to Microsoft for getting it right.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JasonElise1983 Avatar
135 months ago
Glad to see MS Paint still getting some use
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...