Pokemon Go will stop supporting devices that run on Android 5.0, iOS 10 and iOS 11 when its update comes mid-October. This includes the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6, despite being able to run on iOS 12.
No more Pokemon Go for iPhone 5s and iPhone 6
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
Niantic decided to sacrifice the two older iPhones to implement more features and updates for the majority of its players who use newer devices. These iPhones only have 1GB of RAM, making it hard for users to enjoy the full experience. In addition, the aging phone batteries drain faster since the app requires users to use their GPS and phone cameras.
Majority of Pokemon Go players are using newer devices
Many affected players are disappointed when they heard the news; most of them cannot afford or simply don’t want to purchase a new phone just to play the game. However, Niantic told The Verge that only “a very small percentage of daily active players” are affected, so we can assume that the majority of Pokemon Go players are using phones newer than the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6.
Pokemon Go was a hit when it was just launched, but it remained popular over the years. According to Sensor Tower’s data, the game grew in revenue even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
