Mask emoji is smiling under new Apple update

Updated emoji will feature same expression as Apple’s smiling face emoji

Apple is updating its mask emoji to feature a smile (AFP via Getty Images)

Apple is upgrading its mask emoji to reflect a smiling face as part of the latest iOS update.

As the mask-wearing emoji becomes more and more commonly used amid the coronavirus pandemic, Emojipedia explains that Apple is updating its facial expression so it no longer looks sad.

“Long used as an emoji to imply sickness, the mask-wearing emoji saw a revival in 2020 as one of the most popular emojis used in tweets about Coronavirus,” the blog reads. “But why does it have to look so...sick? If mask-wearing is to become normalised and encouraged for people regardless of symptoms, then symbolism around mask-wearing shouldn't imply that by wearing a mask you must be sick. Or so the theory goes.”

Currently, the mask emoji features a face with downturned eyes that appears sick or disgusted.

According to Emojipedia, under Apple’s  iOS 14.2 update, the emoji will instead have raised eyebrows and blushing cheeks, which are intended to portray the masked emoji as smiling.

The blog also notes that the emoji under the mask will be the same as the smiling face emoji, adding that, “if anything, this is a sign of support from Apple on mask-wearing.”

iOS 14.2 is in beta now, with an expected release date in late October or early November 2020, according to Emojipedia.

The move towards a happier mask-wearing emoji comes after Samsung updated its mask emoji in March to appear more cheerful.

The Independent has contacted Apple for comment.