Pokémon Go no longer supports devices with root access

Niantic has announced an update to Pokémon Go that bans smartphones with jailbreaks or root access. In this way, the manufacturer tries to avoid cheats. The update also brings the Buddy system to the app.

According to Niantic, the measure was taken to keep bots and scrapers from Pokémon Go. Many cheat apps, such as those for GPS spoofing, require root access to run. Update 0.37.0 for Android and 1.7.0 for iOS also adds Buddy Pokémon, allowing players to choose a Pokémon to accompany them as a Buddy when walking. Those Pokémon then get candy, depending on the species and the number of miles walked.

Niantic has also made some minor changes. For example, it has been made easier to select smaller Pokémon on the screen, an issue has been fixed that did not show animation when hatching eggs, and stability has been improved when switching networks through a device.

Finally, Niantic has added support for Pokémon Go Plus: the wearable will be released next week. Niantic has started updating the app, but it may take a while for every user to receive it.