If you love the freedom of using a jailbroken iOS device or a rooted Android phone, but can't get enough of poaching Pikachus in Pokémon Go, bad news: the latest Pokemon Go update removes support for rooted and jailbroken devices.
Niantic has implemented the restriction in Pokémon Go version 0.37.0 for Android and 1.7.0 for iOS, both of which are slowly trickling out to devices over the next few days. The developer says the restriction is intended to cut down on "bots and scrapers," which automatically play Pokémon Go on behalf of users, often in exchange for a small fee. That said, such services don't actually require users to have a jailbroken or rooted phone in order to use them. The restriction is more likely to affect those using local GPS spoofing instead.
Naturally, users have already found a way around the restriction, at least on Android. In a post on Reddit, user TheJakeGaming says: "I was browsing over XDA and found this flashable zip, Magisk. If you didn't know, Pokémon Go uses a method called safety net to check for root which is the same thing Android Pay does. TopJohnWu has developed a program to get around that safety net enabling you to play Pokémon Go while rooted." Many players have successfully implemented Magisk, and guides have appeared online.
The Pokémon Go update does add some much needed improvements to the game too, including making it easier to select smaller pokémon, a fix for crashes when the device switches networks, and a fix for where eggs would sometimes hatch without displaying the animation. The much anticipated Buddy Pokémon has also been added, which allows players to choose one of their pokémon to be their buddy and earn candies and other bonuses for them while walking around.
Finally, there's support for Pokémon Go Plus, with the required peripheral going on sale September 16. The Pokémon Go Plus wristband alerts users to presence of nearby pokémon while their phones are safely stowed away in a pocket. Those not interested in purchasing the peripheral can also use Pokémon Go Plus on the Apple Watch, which adds the ability to interact with pokéstops and grab free items and XP from your watch.
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