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While Pokemon GO Apple players will need an iOS 11 compatible device to play, that device doesn't have to be using iOS 11
Actually, Trainers will still be able to play the game using iOS 9 and above. The device must be compatible with iOS 11, but it doesn't need to be upgraded to iOS 11 at this point. For more information: https://t.co/1Xv2XOyf8d
— Niantic Support (@NianticHelp) January 10, 2018
In other words, you can be using iOS 9 or above to play Pokemon GO, but your device must be able to support iOS 11. It seems Niantic might force players to use iOS 11 at some point, but that isn't happening right now.