Unlock the secret Spock emoji in iOS 8.3

Apple has added support for a Vulcan salute emoji on iPhones and iPads, but you won't find it on the emoji keyboard


In a move Spock would deem most logical, Apple has added support for a Vulcan salute emoji in iOS 8.3 and OS X 10.10.3. While the symbol isn't in the emoji section of the iOS keyboard, it's not hard to manually add it to your device. You must first update your iPhone or iPad to iOS version 8.3. This can be done be going to Settings, clicking on General and selecting Software Update. You can then add the Vulcan salute emoji to your device by following these steps:

• Copy the emoji from this tweet on your iPhone or iPad. This can be done with a long press on the icon and selecting Copy.
• Note that it won't be visible to those on a Windows or Android device.
• Head over to the Settings menu on your device.
• Click General, followed by Keyboards, and select Shortcuts.
• Tap the + icon.
• Double tap on the Phrase section and paste the Vulcan emoji you copied earlier.
• Enter a shortcut you would like to use (such as "llap" for live long and prosper).
• Tap Save.

You should now be able to use the Vulcan salute emoji on your iPhone or iPad. Head over to messages, type the shortcut you set (in my case that's "llap") and the emoji should appear. The icon will only be visible, however, to iOS users who have updated to version 8.3.