Niantic announces AR+: now available for Trainers playing on iOS 11 on iPhone 6s and newer models

Trainers,

Get ready for even more realistic Pokémon encounters: AR+ is coming to Pokémon GO! Niantic has gone ahead and finally announced the AR+, it will be initially available on iOS 11 devices (iPhone 6s) onwards.

The reasoning is simple: AR+ uses ARKit and ARKit is only available on iOS 11.

Currently, we have no information for Android Users when it will be available, Android support not coming before AR Core releases.

Here’s the Preview of the new AR+ Mode

The following is now confirmed for AR Plus:

Scale: With AR+ Mode, Pokemon will be Fixed point in Space, meaning you can walk up close to a Pokémon to see to how they’ll look in the real world

Awareness: Pokémon will run away if they become aware of the Trainers getting close, so be careful. You can sneak up close to earn an Expert Handler bonus, An awareness meter will appear next to the Pokémon, and if the meter fills up, the Pokémon will flee.

Expert Handler Bonus: 

Think you have what it takes to be an expert Pokémon handler? While in AR+ mode, you’ll finally have the chance to prove it! If you’re able to catch a Pokémon while in close proximity, you’ll have a better chance at earning Great and Excellent Throw bonuses, as well as an all-new Expert Handler bonus that awards even more XP and Stardust.

This is our first step toward making AR capabilities in Pokémon GO even more awesome, opening up the framework for greater AR experiences in the future. As you explore your local neighborhoods, remember to share your AR+ photos of your encounters on social media with the hashtag #PokemonGOarplus. And be sure to always stay aware of your surroundings and make sure you’re safe while in AR+ mode. We’d love to see all of your new adventures as they unfold.