In Pokémon GO, it could soon get very dark for some trainers. The developers have announced that they will discontinue support for some operating systems. We will show you which phones are affected.
This will happen: From October 2020, fewer smartphones will be able to access Pokémon GO. Phones with an older operating system will no longer be able to open the app.
For players, this means that you will have to change your smartphone or you will no longer be able to play Pokémon GO.
These operating systems will be removed
Niantic announces: An update will be released in mid-October that will not support some operating systems. The affected systems are:
- Android 5
- iOS 10
- iOS 11
- Users of iPhone 5s or iPhone 6
What does this mean? If you own an iPhone 5s or 6, you will definitely have to switch to a newer device if you still want to play Pokémon GO. If you are using one of the operating systems listed here, you will need to perform a software update. However, some older devices may not be able to obtain a better operating system. In this case, you will only need to make a new purchase or switch to a newer device.
How to see the operating system version? If you’re panicking and want to know if you’re affected, you can easily check your software version in your smartphone settings.
The section in the settings should be called “Software Information” or something similar.
If you have a relatively new smartphone, you shouldn’t have to worry about the version. There is already iOS 14 and Android 11. New devices should typically have this software installed.
What’s behind this: Originally, an update was supposed to be rolled out in August that would have removed numerous Android users. However, Niantic withdrew this, as even phones from 2019 were affected at that time.
Now there is a new attempt, but this time it is not current models that are affected, but mainly smartphones that are already out of date.
Until October, it should continue normally for all players. So you can fully enjoy the numerous events waiting for you in September.
