Emoji symbols are now available in a variety of skin tones.
Apple was the first to start, adding the broader range of skin tones to current versions of its operating system for its computers, iPhones and iPads. Emojis are small, sometimes animated, cartoon images that can be inserted into electronic messages to add emphasis.
The first new emoji, test versions used by Apple developers, have recently leaked out, showing a range of skin colours from light to dark. Users can pick whichever they want. The range of new options also includes emojis that come with hands and fingers.
The Unicode Consortium suggested the change at the end of 2014. Until then, most emojis were yellow, like smiley faces. Those that showed people were almost universally light skinned.
Technology blogs have also reported that Apple plans emojis that highlight the wider variety of today's families. Test versions include emoji families - consisting of adults and children - with same-sex parents.