Firearm fans threaten Apple boycott as tech giant BANS infamous pistol emoji

Apple has infuriated gun-loving Americans today by replacing a controversial pistol emoji with a water-squirting water pistol.

Furious firearm fans have taken to Twitter and threatened to boycott Apple over its decision to ditch the icon.

"Apple is coming for our guns," one Twitter user claimed.

"Time to swap to Samsung," another raged.

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"Kiss my gun-toting, NRA-loving rear end," one women tweeted.

"I, too, will never purchase another un-American piece of your trash."

Although Apple has not commented on the reasons for its decision, it has been widely hailed as an intervention in the gun control debate which is gripping America.

The tech firm was recently linked to a successful bid to  which was designed to be used during the upcoming Olympics.

Yesterday, a campaigner from New Yorkers Against Gun Violence said: "Apple has stood up to the bullying tactics of the NRA and gun industry by showing that there are many more life-affirming ways to express oneself than with a gun.”

Although the National Rifle Association has not yet commented on the emoji debate, its members and supporters have already called for it to speak out against Apple.

"I don't pay my dues to let Apple say I can't carry on my phone," one gun toter wrote.

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As well as giving peace a chance, Apple has been on an emoji diversity drive.

It previously gave users the ability to choose the person's skin tone, allowing them to send icons of a dark-skinned Santa Claus, or pledge support for non-traditional family units by texting out little images of gay couples with children.

Now Apple has introduced a new range of emojis designed to show women working in a variety of jobs.

The new emojis include a female weightlifter and a hard-hatted builder character.

Apple wrote: "More than one hundred new and redesigned emoji characters will be available to iPhone and iPad users this fall with iOS 10.

"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."