Pokemon GO developer Niantic has announced that Pokemon GO will be receiving an update that will change the way the game’s AR functionality works, introducing a couple new mechanics. This will also cause a rift between versions of the game on different devices, as this update will only be available for iOS.
Called AR+, this update will use Apple’s new ARKit tech that was introduced with iOS 11. This will allow devices from the iPhone 6 and up to use the new update, as well as more recent iPad models. Once in place, the AR function (which can be toggled on/off when catching a Pokemon) will become more dynamic, treating the Pokemon like they have physical presence and allowing players to interact with them more.
This will have an actual impact on the game, as now a Pokemon can be scared away if a player using AR+ gets too close. In exchange, getting within a certain range and succeeding in capture will net the player a new, exclusive “Expert Handler” bonus. That means more XP and Stardust!
Source: Polygon