ATP Tier List: Emoji
Summary
In this July 2026 member special, the Accidental Tech Podcast hosts create a tier list of macOS 15 emoji, ranking them from S to F based on utility, design, and sentiment. They debate specific icons like the backhand pointing finger, ballot box, and blue heart, often noting discrepancies between official names and actual usage. The discussion highlights how corporate design choices, such as the eggplant’s suggestive shape, navigate social norms while evaluating which emojis effectively communicate complex emotions.
Topics discussed
Introduction and emoji naming conventions
Reviewing hand gestures and the ballot box
Discussing hearts and their cultural meanings
Evaluating the car and check mark emojis
Ranking beer mugs, confused, and dejected faces
The dragon and the eggplant controversy
Kiss mark and skin tone customization
Skin tone debate and the thinking face
Crossed fingers, flexed biceps, and corn
Goofy face, grimace, and rock guitar
Praying hands, information desk, and melting face
Money bags, flying money, and mini disc
Nails, unamused face, and okay hand sign
Party popper and the upside-down smiley
Saluting face and angel face
Heart eyes, receiving love, and sneezing face
Thumbs down, cocktail glass, and upside-down face
Speak no evil, wave, and tears of joy
Hand waving and final tier list arguments
Conclusion on emoji ambiguity and member sign-off
Listen ad-free on Castria