Apple updates its syringe emoji as COVID-19 vaccines roll out

As COVID-19 vaccines continue to roll out across the U.S., Apple's syringe emoji is getting an update.

Apple is making changes to several emoji, including its syringe, which currently appears to be filled with blood, evoking a blood draw. In the new version, the syringe still appears filled, but now it more closely resemble a vaccine shot.

Other emoji updates include a new headphones emoji to highlight Apple's AirPods Max, and helmets have been added to emojis of people climbing.

Apple is also rolling out other new emoji, including couples kissing, a heart on fire and face with spiral eyes.

New Apple emojis in preview now

The fresh round of emoji are available now through developer and public beta previews of iOS 14.5, and will roll out to all users as part of an update this spring.

The tweak to the syringe emoji comes as rollout of COVID-19 vaccines presses forward in the U.S. However, the process has been chaotic, leading to long lines, failure to get appointments and clinics closing early after they've run out of shots.

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