Pokemon GO to Drop Support for Older Android Devices in 2025
Pokemon GO players using older Android devices will soon face a significant change. Niantic, the game developer, announced that upcoming updates in March and June 2025 will end support for 32-bit Android devices. This means these devices will no longer be able to run the popular augmented reality game.
This affects a range of older models, including but not limited to: Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3, J3; Sony Xperia Z2, Z3; Motorola Moto G (1st generation); LG Fortune, Tribute; OnePlus One; HTC One (M8); ZTE Overture 3; and certain Android devices released before 2015. The first update will impact some Samsung Galaxy Store users in March, with the second, affecting 32-bit Google Play users, arriving in June. 64-bit Android devices and all iPhones are expected to remain compatible.
Players using affected devices are urged to safeguard their login credentials. While they can access their accounts after upgrading to a compatible device, access will be unavailable until the upgrade is complete. This includes any purchased Pokecoins.
Despite this disruption, 2025 promises exciting developments for the Pokemon franchise. Highly anticipated releases like Pokemon Legends: Z-A are on the horizon, alongside rumored projects such as Pokemon Black and White remakes and a potential new Let's Go title. While Pokemon GO's 2025 plans remain unclear, a rumored Pokemon Presents showcase on February 27th may offer further details. The game, launched in July 2016, boasts a substantial player base, exceeding 110 million active users in December 2024, according to ActivePlayer reports, though this number will undoubtedly decrease following the updates.
