Niantic, the studio behind Pokemon GO announced that its dropping support for 32-bit Android phones starting August. The studio issued a brief statement explaining the need for such a change to streamline its development process and focus on supporting newer devices and operating systems.
Once the kill switch is flipped, you will no longer be able to access Pokemon GO accounts from the old devices and will have to migrate to a newer 64-bit device if you want to continue your quest to catch Pokemons. Niantic also recommends you to back up their account info and passwords.
The developer also shared a sample list of 32-bit devices that will lose support in August. These include:
- 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
- Many Android devices released before 2015
Another potential obstacle with dropping 32-bit support for Pokemon GO is that many phones with a 64-bit chipset still run a 32-bit version of Android meaning they will also lose support.
This includes phones launched as recently as last year which would be a major letdown for Pokemon fans. A group of enthusiasts from a Pokemon GO focused subreddit managed to compile a list of phones that run on 32-bit OS which you can check out here. There are already close to 60 phones in there and counting.
Haslinda has worked with some of the largest telcos in North America and Asia. She loves tech and doesn’t like iPhone
