Niantic has announced that Pokémon GO players with Apple Watches can now use their favorite wearable to discover nearby Pokémon and collect items from nearby PokéStops. Capturing the little critters still requires them to whip their iPhone out to perform the deed.
The new Apple watch app is included in the latest update to Pokémon GO, (version 1.21.2), which is currently rolling out to the App Store. Players can also now log each play session as a Workout, with gameplay counting toward Activity rings. The Watch app also notifies players when a Pokémon is nearby, view distances to hatching Eggs, be notified when they hatch, view awarded medals, and more, all from their wrist.
To recap the core features of Pokémon GO on Apple Watch, you’ll be able to:
- Log each play session as a workout, with gameplay counting toward personal Activity rings
- Receive notifications about nearby Pokémon
- Count distance toward hatching Pokémon Eggs and receiving Candy with your Buddy Pokémon
- Receive notifications about PokéStops nearby and collect items from them
- Receive notifications when Eggs hatch and medals are awarded
So, at least maybe Apple Watch-wearing Pokémon GO players will feel the urge to go out and walk in the brisk winter air, looking for little critters during the holidays. Which beats watching Gramps fall asleep again in front of the space heater.
Pokémon GO is free, and is available for the iPhone and Apple Watch in the App Store. [GET IT HERE]
