This week, Apple’s new iOS 18.4 Beta 2 update replaced Syria’s old Baathist regime flag with the Free Syria flag, a symbol of the 2011 Syrian Revolution. The new flag features green, white, and black stripes with three red stars in its center.

The emoji change follows months after a November offensive by a coalition of mostly Syrian Islamist rebel groups, backed by Turkiye, against ousted President Bashar al-Assad’s Baathist forces. By Dec. 8, the rebels had taken de facto control of the country and adopted the Free Syria flag.

Syrian apple users welcome the update.

“It gives a sense of hope because a major tech company changing the flag may pressure others to do the same. It’s a step in the right direction,” Syrian Apple user Hamza Alabrash said.

As of March 7, Apple’s competitor Samsung has not officially updated the Syria flag emoji.

Many Syrians are speculating about the country’s economic future. For Alabrash, the update signals a possible shift in U.S. policy, particularly regarding economic sanctions imposed on Syria since 1979.

“To me, it signals something greater is coming, especially since it’s a U.S. company. Perhaps the lifting of sanctions is near, and the beautiful people of Syria will see better days, Inshallah,” Alabrash said.

Syria’s previous flag, featuring red, white, and black stripes with two green stars in its center, was originally the flag of the United Arab Republic (UAR), a short-lived union between Egypt and Syria under President Gamal Abdel Nasser from 1958 to 1961. When the Baathist regime seized power in 1963, it adopted the flag as its own, which many Syrians saw as a symbol of authoritarianism.

The Free Syria flag, originally adopted after Syria gained independence from France in 1944, remained in use until the UAR era. For many Syrians, it represents their true identity and aspiration for democracy.

“The previous flag was a reminder of oppression,” another Syrian user, Ahmad, said. “This change is more than just new colors—it marks a turning point in Syrians’ struggle for justice and true representation, especially in an era where technology amplifies narratives.”