Pokémon Go updates: Everything you need to know

There's a new Pokemon Go update. Here's what you need to know!

Pokémon Go updates aren't common, but they are a big deal. Here's what you need to know about each major one!

Update, September 10: Added information about version 0.37.0 with the new Appraisal system!

Version 0.37.0 - September 10, 2016

This update is all about Buddy Pokémon, allowing you to choose one Pokémon to be a "buddy," for which you will earn extra candy by walking certain distances. Think of it as an egg for existing, hatched Pokémon.

Niantic also says that it is focusing on "eliminating bots and scrapers from Pokémon GO," and that "rooted or jailbroken devices are not supported by Pokémon GO."

Here's the official change log:

Implemented Buddy Pokémon: Trainers will now be able to choose one of their Pokémon to be their buddy. A Trainer can earn Candy for their Buddy Pokémon by walking a certain distance.
Made it easier to select smaller Pokémon on the screen.
Fixed an issue where Eggs would sometimes hatch without displaying the animation.
Improved performance reliability when a device switches networks to no longer cause the application to hang or stop updating.
Pokémon GO Plus support
Minor text fixes.

Show older updates

Version 0.35.0 - August 23, 2016

This update introduced the Appraisal system, which allows players to ask their team leaders to analyze captured and evolved Pokémon to determine the best way to use it. This relies on the Individual Value of the Pokémon being analyzed, which will tell users whether their version of a Pokémon is good for attacking or defending Gyms.

Here's the official change log:

Implemented Pokémon Appraisal: Trainers will now be able to learn about a Pokémon's attack and defense capabilities from their Team Leader (Candela, Blanche or Spark) to determine which of their Pokémon have the most potential for battle.
We are still working hard on several new and exciting features to come in the future of Pokémon GO.
Minor bot fixes

It's unclear if Niantic has invited more users to try out the Nearby beta system that has been in place since the last update, but currently there is no way to request access.

More: How to check your Pokémon's stats with the new Appraise feature in Pokémon Go

Version 0.33.0 - August 8, 2016

This version introduces a number of new features, including the ability to rename your trainer once — so consider it carefully — and a warning when the game detects that you're moving in a vehicle, asking you to confirm that you are not actually driving while playing.

Here's the official change log:

Added a dialog to remind Trainers that they should not play while traveling above a certain speed; Trainers will have to indicate they aren't the driver
Fixed a bug that prevented "Nice," "Great," and "Excellent" Poké Ball throws from awarding the appropriate XP bonuses
Enabled the ability for Trainers to change their nickname one time, so please choose your new nickname wisely
Added visuals of Team Leaders Candela, Blanche, and Spark.
We're currently testing a variation of the "Nearby Pokémon" feature with a subset of users. During this period you may see some variation in the nearby Pokémon UI.

With this update, the game also introduces a change to the "Nearby Pokémon" box in the lower right of the screen, changing the wording to "Sightings", along with the graphics behind the Pokémon in your vicinity. While we're not sure how the new "Sightings" feature works just yet — and how different it is to the original "Nearby — we are exploring it and will update when we know more.

Version 0.31.0 — July 30, 2016

This version introduces a number of big changes to the game, including the contested removal of footprints for easily tracking nearby Pokémon. It also allows for the customization of Trainers after they have been outfitted, and introduces warnings to players against trespassing and playing the game dangerously.

Avatars can now be re-customized from the Trainer profile screen
Adjusted battle move damage values for some Pokémon
Refined certain Gym animations
Improved memory issues
Removed footprints of nearby Pokémon
Modified battle damage calculation
Various bug fixes during wild Pokémon encounter
Updated Pokémon details screen
Updated achievement medal images
Fixed issues with displaying certain map features
Minor text fixes

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