Unicode 8.0 adds a total of 7,716 characters, encompassing six new scripts and many new symbols, as well as character additions to several existing scripts. Notable character additions include the following:
- A set of lowercase Cherokee syllables, forming case pairs with the existing Cherokee characters
- A large collection of CJK unified ideographs
- Emoji symbols and symbol modifiers for implementing skin tone diversity; see Unicode Emoji.
- Georgian lari currency symbol
- Letters to support the Ik language in Uganda, Kulango in the Côte d’Ivoire, and other languages of Africa
- The Ahom script for support of the Tai Ahom language in India
- Arabic letters to support Arwi—the Tamil language written in the Arabic script
- Other important updates in Unicode Version 8.0 include:
Change in encoding model of New Tai Lue to visual order