Pokemon Go to use Apple’s ARKit to deliver advanced Augmented Reality features

‘Pokemon Go’ unleashes its critters in Apple’s AR playground

Pokemon Go is unleashing its digital critters in Apple’s playground for augmented reality, turning iPhones made during the past two years into the best place to play the mobile game. (AP Photo/Michael Liedtke)

Popular Augmented Reality-based game Pokemon Go is set to bring a big update for iPhone users.

An upcoming update to the game will be leveraging Apple's much-hyped AR platform, ARKit, to deliver better and more immersive experience to users.

The new approach, announced Wednesday, adds depth to the playing field and lets Pokemon monsters grow or shrink to fit their environment. The game's creatures will now flee when they detect sudden movement or if players approach too quickly.

AR is a technology that projects life-like images into real-world settings such as parks and streetscapes.

John Hanke, CEO of "Pokemon Go" creator Niantic, believes iPhones equipped with Apple's AR software now offer the best way to play the game.

That's an ironic twist because Niantic spun out of Google, whose Android software powers most of the smartphones in the world. Hanke played a key role in build Google Maps, one of the most frequently used apps on Android phones.

Apple's AR technology works on iPhones dating back to the 2015 iPhone 6S, a line-up that encompasses an estimated 200 million to 300 million devices, including iPads.

"Pokemon Go" has offered an AR option since its release 17 months ago, but Apple's technology is more advanced than what the game has been using.

Apple is hoping app makers will find compelling ways to deploy its AR tools, helping to hook the masses on a technology that so far has been embraced by a sliver of smartphone users. If AR takes off, many analysts believe Apple will branch out in a few years and release a new line of devices designed specifically for AR.