The Tool Desk
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What an older iPad needs to run Pokémon GO
Niantic’s Supported Devices page lists these requirements for iOS devices:
- iOS 15 or later: The iPad must be able to run a version of iOS or iPadOS that meets this minimum.
- At least 2 GB of RAM: Niantic lists this as the minimum memory requirement.
- GPS and Location Services: The game needs location access and GPS hardware.
- Internet access: Niantic calls for a strong internet connection.
These are criteria, not a promise of compatibility. Niantic says it cannot guarantee that every device meeting them will be able to play.
How to check your iPad
- Find the exact model. Check the iPad’s model information in Settings or identify it from its model number. “Old iPad” is not specific enough to establish compatibility.
- Check the installed software and available update. Pokémon GO requires iOS 15 or later. Niantic’s iOS 14 support notice says devices on iOS 14 lost support after game release 0.305 and need an OS update to continue playing. Niantic said users on iOS 15 or later were unaffected, and that the change did not alter which devices are supported.
- Verify RAM and GPS for that model. Compare the model’s specifications with Niantic’s 2 GB minimum and check whether it has built-in GPS. Niantic’s support page names iPhone 6s or later in its iOS model bullet, but does not give an equivalent list of iPads.
- Try the game and assess how it performs. Meeting the listed thresholds does not ensure smooth play. If Pokémon GO lags or crashes, consult the game’s troubleshooting resources or contact support.
Does Pokémon GO work on a Wi-Fi-only iPad?
Not necessarily. A Wi-Fi-only label does not by itself establish whether a particular iPad has GPS. Niantic warns that many tablets lack built-in GPS, including some models without built-in data connectivity, so check the specific model rather than assuming based on its connectivity label.
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- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Niantic also cautions that tablets may have trouble maintaining a sufficiently strong GPS signal in areas or events with busy or congested mobile networks. The support guidance does not establish that an external GPS accessory will meet the game’s location requirement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to expect from an older or slower iPad
Some older or lower-end hardware may not fully render the map horizon and can display a fog background. A device that launches the game may still have lag, crashes, or other reliability problems; Niantic does not guarantee play even when a device meets its published criteria.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
When comparing two iPads, check their maximum supported operating-system version, RAM, GPS hardware, internet connection, and actual in-game reliability. Do not choose based only on the device’s age or whether it is marketed as Wi-Fi-only or cellular.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Smart Connector. 3.5 mm headphone jack. Stereo speakers. On/Off - Sleep/Wake. Home/Touch ID sensor. Dual microphones. Volume up/down. Nano-SIM tray (cellular models). Lightning connector
- A10 Fusion chip.
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor,
- 8MP back camera, 1. 2MP FaceTime HD front camera.
- Stereo speakers.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
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