Google may be preparing a high dynamic range emoji feature for Google Chat. Code discovered in the latest Gmail build points to emoji with enhanced brightness and contrast, although Google has not officially announced the feature or confirmed when it will launch.

The finding comes from an APK teardown by Android Authority. The referenced code describes “display-supported emoji in high dynamic range (HDR) with enhanced brightness and contrast” and labels the feature simply as “HDR emoji.”

What HDR emoji could change in Google Chat

HDR emoji would allow supported symbols to appear brighter and show stronger contrast than standard emoji. That could make colorful characters easier to distinguish, particularly on devices with displays capable of showing HDR content.

The available code does not establish whether Google intends to update every emoji or limit the feature to a smaller selection. It refers to “supported emoji,” leaving open the possibility that compatibility will depend on the symbol, the device, or both.

Google Chat could be the first target

The feature appears to be intended for Google Chat, the messaging service that followed Google Hangouts and forms part of the Google Workspace suite. Its connection to Gmail suggests Google may be preparing the functionality within the broader Workspace app ecosystem.

However, finding a feature reference in an APK does not guarantee that it will reach users. Google can change, delay, or remove features discovered in unreleased code, and the company has not published plans for HDR emoji in Chat.

When will HDR emoji arrive?

There is currently no release date, rollout schedule, or list of compatible devices. The wording found in the Gmail build indicates that Google is considering the feature, but it does not confirm that development is complete.

If Google enables HDR emoji, users would likely need a compatible display and software that supports the required rendering capabilities. Whether the feature would work across the full emoji library or only selected symbols should become clearer if Google announces it officially.

For now, HDR emoji remains an unannounced Google Chat feature identified through an APK teardown rather than a confirmed product update.