Pokemon Go for Apple Watch: How it works and when you can get it

Apple’s iPhone events are becoming more predictable each year, but the company somehow managed to surprise everyone this time around.

Unfortunately, thanks to reliable leaks from parts suppliers and noted analysts, the media already knew that the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were coming, and most of the phones’ features, such as an improved camera system, water resistance, and lack of a headphone jack, were figured out as well. But there was one announcement from the event that caught people off guard – and it had nothing to do with the new iPhones.

Apple brought Pokemon Go developer Niantic Labs on stage to announce that Pokemon Go is finally coming to the Apple Watch. Here’s everything we know about the new watch app, including why it’s perfect for the wrist, how it’s expected to work, and when you can get it.

• Apple will release iOS 10 update for iPhones and iPads on 13 September
• Apple made these wireless AirPods and Lightning EarPods for iPhone 7
• Apple Watch Nike Plus is designed to be your perfect running partner
• Finally! Apple shows off new Apple Watch Series 2 models
• Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are official
• How to watch iPhone 7 and 7 Plus launch
• Mario coming to iOS with Super Mario Run
• Pokemon Go is coming to Apple Watch by end of 2016

Pokemon Go: Why is it coming to Apple Watch?

Pokemon Go is about getting up and moving. Players/trainers must move their feet and explore the real world in order to capture Pokemon. However, while the game is capable of logging a players’ distance walked and then rewarding them with new Pokemon, there is no way to integrate that same walking data into other health apps – not even Apple’s own Health app.

Pokemon Go players who are interested in active and healthy lifestyle choices are likely bummed that they can’t play while also accurately track how many steps they’ve taken or calories they’ve burned. But the Pokemon Go app for Apple Watch – especially for the Series 2 watch with built-in GPS – changes that. The new app promises to let players track their gameplay as workouts.

Players will even be able to see a calorie counter as they look for nearby Pokemon at a glance. Beyond the obvious advantages for the athletic-minded, having Pokemon Go on the wrist could allow players to be more alert. They no longer have to reach for and open their phones, enabling them to keep their eyes on the road ahead of them rather then their smartphone displays.

Pokemon Go: How does it work on Apple Watch?

It’s still unclear how Pokemon Go for Apple Watch app will entirely work, but thanks to a brief demo during Apple’s Special Event on 7 September, we do know about some of the app’s features and functionality.

Apple

Pokemon trainers using the standard Pokemon Go app need to walk in order to hatch their eggs. Well, from a complication on the new watch face, they’ll be able to see how far they need to walk to hatch eggs.

Apple

The main screen in the new watch app shows a trainer’s current level – as well as the XP needed to get to the next level.

Apple

all walks are recorded as workouts, helping players progress toward their activity goals. It looks like players will be able to end and resume their workout activity from within the new watch app, too.

Apple

While walking, players can see how far they’ve walked and their calories burned. Also, at a glance, they can see which Pokemon are nearby.

Apple

Players will be alerted when Pokemon appear. Unfortunately, players must still take out their iPhones to actually capture Pokemon.

Apple

When players reach a PokeStop, a buzz on their wrists will let them know. They’ll see an image of the location along with relevant information about the place. Then, in order to collect items such as potions, they can just swipe on the Apple Watch screen.

Apple

Players will also get alerts for achievements (like when they earn a gold medal, which they can only get if they visit 2,000 PokeStops).

Apple

Players will get alerts when their eggs hatch, too, followed by an animation that shows what hatched.

Apple

After ending workouts, players will see a Summary screen of all their activity, including total distance, time, and active calories. They’ll also see all the items they’ve collected along the way.

Pokemon Go: When can you get it for Apple Watch?

Apple and Niantic Labs said Pokemon Go would arrive for Apple Watch before the end of 2016.

• Apple will release iOS 10 update for iPhones and iPads on 13 September
• Apple made these wireless AirPods and Lightning EarPods for iPhone 7
• Apple Watch Nike Plus is designed to be your perfect running partner
• Finally! Apple shows off new Apple Watch Series 2 models
• Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are official
• How to watch iPhone 7 and 7 Plus launch
• Mario coming to iOS with Super Mario Run
• Pokemon Go is coming to Apple Watch by end of 2016