APPLE will finally be releasing a new set of emojis that include the saltire and gender-neutral faces.

The technology giant's latest software update incorporates many updates to emojis that were announced earlier in the year.

The new designs, approved by the Unicode Consortium, will be available to iPhone and iPad users who download the OS 11.1 update.

The emoji update features the national flags for Scotland, England and Wales.

The National:

Gender-neutral faces have also been added following calls from non-binary people to better represent the spectrum of gender.

Other images include mythical creatures, a range of food options, and a hedgehog.

Emojis take their name from the Japanese words meaning "picture" and "character". It's been recognised as the fastest growing language in the UK by 2015.