Pokémon Go Gets Big AR+ Update Exclusive to iPhone

The new Pokémon Go update gives iPhone users a huge AR boost, similar to how Snapchat introduced better Lenses to iPhone X users. If you use iPhone 6s or later to play Pokémon Go, you’ll get a better Augmented Reality experience with AR+ and Apple’s AR Kit. Here’s what that means and what it looks like for playing Pokémon Go.

Free Pokémon Go update adds AR+ support to iPhone 6s and newer in iOS 11. You’ve already played in AR with the Pokémon Go app, and now you can play with AR+ on iPhone. Android users are out of luck as this is an iPhone-exclusive Pokémon Go feature. This new feature also works on iPad 5th generation and all iPad Pro models.

Here are the three main features that the Pokémon Go update will soon bring to iPhone users and what you need to know about the potential of AR+ on Android.

Walk up to Pokémon

With the new update, the Pokémon will stay in place as you approach with your Pokéball, so you can go up and see a huge Pokémon up close and personal. This is because the iPhone can now hold this Pokémon in place instead of moving it with your camera. It will allow you to see a huge Snorlax or Charizard blocking your way and bring more realism to the game. Don’t forget to take epic photos of the Pokémon you encounter up close and personal.

Know Your Pokémon Future

On the other side of being up close and personal. When you start searching for Pokémon, they will know you have arrived because iPhone can tell the distance between you and the Pokémon you see on the screen. This means you can scare away a Pokémon that will run away if you scare them.

There’s an awareness meter appearing next to the Pokémon on the screen, and you’ll want to catch the Pokémon before they fill up and escape. When a Pokémon escapes, look for tall grass nearby. You can tap on it to get another chance to catch the Pokémon.

Expert Handler Bonus for Sneaky Pokémon Catches

If you can get close enough without being discovered, you can get an Expert Handler bonus that will increase your XP faster. You will need to get as close as possible without warning the Pokémon. If you fill the awareness meter, you will not receive this bonus.

Get Expert Handler bonuses only on iPhone.

The closer you are, the better your chances of getting a Big Shot or Perfect Shot bonus, as well as an Expert Handler bonus. The Expert Handler bonus offers more Stardust and XP.

When Will Android Gamers Get AR+ Features in Pokémon Go?

There’s no word on when or when these features will come to Android Pokémon Go players. Google offers ARCore which is similar to ARKit but not at the same level. ARCore on Android only works with Android 7.0 and higher and may be limited to certain phones as well.