Pokémon GO adds AR+ support

Exclusively for iPhone 6S or later
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  • Friday, December 22, 2017

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A new update for Pokémon GO that brings the game to version 0.87.5 (labelled 1.57.5 on the iOS App Store) is now available for iOS and Android. This update adds support for AR+ on iOS, an enhanced version of Augmented Reality (AR), as well as improved Pokémon GO Plus responsiveness for iOS 11. (The Android update only includes bug fixes.)

AR+ can be used on iOS 11 for iPhones 6S and later. The new AR+ mode is a collaboration with Apple and its new ARkit platform.

When using AR+, Pokémon appear in a fixed point in space, allowing the player to approach them, with the Pokémon's scale changing appropriately. Pokémon have an awareness meter, which increases as the player gets closer to them, but run away if the player gets too close; however, if a Pokémon flees, the player can try tapping on tall grass nearby, which may cause the Pokémon to reappear.

If the player successfully catches a Pokémon after getting close to it, they will earn the Expert Handler bonus, which gives more XP and Stardust. Additionally, the player has a better chance of earning Great and Excellent Throw bonuses when close to a Pokémon.

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Patch notes

These patch notes are only applicable to iOS.

  • Added the all-new AR+ encounter mode for Trainers on ARKit-enabled devices (iPhone 6s or later) running iOS11.
  • Improved Pokémon GO Plus responsiveness on devices running iOS 11.
  • Various bug fixes and performance updates.
  -- Pokémon GO  

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