Apple's latest software update for the iPhone and iPad will feature a subtle but symbolic design change.

iOS 10, which will be available for download later this year and will feature a water pistol emoji instead of with a handgun.

The change follows increasing concern over gun violence in the US and worldwide. 

The tech giant has unveiled more than 100 new and redesigned characters including more options for skin tones, more women in diverse professional roles and more detailed characters.

This isn't the fist time Apple has taken a stand against violent emoji's. Earlier this year Apple and Microsoft successfully argued against the addition of a rifle emoji. 

The decision to replace the revolver emoji comes almost a year after a campaign called #DisarmTheiPhone was launched by advocacy group, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. Their goal was to pressure Apple to drop support for the emoji.

The updated iOS also features a number of new characters. The company said that they hope that this new update will better reflect our diverse society.

"Apple is working closely with the Unicode Consortium to ensure that popular emoji characters reflect the diversity of people everywhere."

"This exciting update brings more gender options to existing characters, including new female athletes and professionals, adds beautiful redesigns of popular emoji, a new rainbow flag and more family options."