F-150

Make
Ford
Segment
Sports Car

Ford has a lot going for it these days with its highly anticipated Bronco having been spotted in Raptor form, and work on the all-electric version of its ever-popular F-150 pickup truck moving ahead swiftly. But a brand can always strive for more, and Ford has just entered into a new era of brand recognition that no marketing campaign can ever come close to beating. Apple iOS14 has now launched with, wait for it... a Ford F-150 truck emoji.

This is a truly momentous occasion for the American automaker who will now get to enjoy millions of free impressions on a daily basis.

The new emoji looks somewhat generic, but the Ford F-150 body shape is so universal that most will be able to recognize it. The emoji shows a blue F-150 in what appears to be SuperCab configuration. The wheel arches have been beefed up, and the pickup rolls on a set of nondescript wheels. It even gets a set of orange head and tail lights. The F-150 is a close second to the iPhone in terms of branded consumer product sales in America, so the collaboration only seems natural. Ford first released the emoji on World Emoji Day last year and has now finally received a nod of approval by Apple.

In a video shared by Ford, the company shows a satirical version of the development and design of the new emoji. "The team and I have put in a lot of work on this project. Like any true innovation, it started with a sketch, then sculpting. We were happy with our concept, but there was a lot to figure out. For one, the truck always seems to point left " Craig Metros, design director, North America, Truck and SUV division says jokingly. The video goes on to state that the new icon was "Made in America from the finest pixels". If any car deserves the recognition, it's the F-150.