Pokemon GO announced in a tweet yesterday (Monday, 1st September) that its upcoming update will hinder older smartphones from accessing the game.
The update that takes place this mid-October, will end support for iPhone devices running iOS 11 or lower, and Android version 5.0 “Lollipop”. Older iPhone devices including iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 will also be affected.
In an upcoming update to Pokémon GO in October, we will end support for Android 5, iOS 10, and iOS 11, as well as iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 devices. Trainers with devices not specifically listed here will not be affected and don’t need to take any action.
— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) August 31, 2020
Even though both the iPhone 5S and 6 are able to run on iOS 12, it is being taken out due to its outdated specs which could hinder optimal playing experience for users. Niantic, the software company behind Pokemon GO, told The Verge, “iPhone 5S and 6 have just 1GB of RAM, and we don’t want to hold back development and implementation of features for the vast majority of players who have more robust phones“.
The fact that Pokemon GO is an AR-based game, it demands more performance from devices because it heavily relies on the phone’s GPS and cameras. It makes sense for the developers to take out older generation smartphones, especially with an ageing battery.
The new update will introduce a new augmented reality feature known as, “reality blending” to the game. This feature allows Pokemon in the game to hide partially or fully behind real-life objects making the feel and experience of catching Pokemons more realistic.
Despite losing these devices, Niantic user base won’t be affected greatly. Nonetheless, if you are a committed Pokemon GO player, make sure your device is compatible for the new update.
Source: The Verge
