How to Get Apples in Pokémon GO: Complete 2025 Guide
In Pokémon GO, apples aren’t just decorative fruit—they’re rare evolution items that unlock new forms of the adorable Applin. If you’ve recently caught this tiny dragon-type Pokémon and are wondering how to evolve it into Appletun or Flapple, you’ll need a special ingredient: apples.
But not all apples are the same. There are two varieties you must collect — Sweet Apples and Tart Apples — each tied to a different evolution path. Because these items don’t drop like regular Poké Balls or berries, finding them can be tricky. This detailed, SEO-optimized guide breaks down everything you need to know: how to get apples, where they spawn, and the most efficient ways to farm them fast.
Understanding Apples in Pokémon GO
When we say “apples,” we’re referring to Sweet Apples and Tart Apples, two new evolution items introduced alongside Applin. Here’s how they work:
- To evolve Applin into Appletun, you’ll need:
20 Sweet Apples + 200 Applin Candy - To evolve Applin into Flapple, you’ll need:
20 Tart Apples + 200 Applin Candy
Once you have the required apples and candy, you can evolve your Applin from the Pokémon details screen — no trading or friendship level required.
But the challenge lies in finding the apples. They don’t drop from PokéStops or Gifts like traditional items. Instead, they appear on the game map, similar to how wild Pokémon spawn.
When you tap on one, you might:
- Receive a Sweet Apple,
- Receive a Tart Apple, or
- Trigger an Applin encounter.
The big question every trainer asks: how do you make apples spawn more often?
How Apple Spawns Work in Pokémon GO
Apples are special overworld items, and their appearance follows specific spawn rules. Here’s what affects their frequency:
1. Wild Apple Spawns
Sometimes, apples simply appear on the ground without any specific trigger. They can show up near PokéStops, parks, or random spots on the map. When tapped, they may reward a Sweet or Tart Apple, or start an Applin encounter. However, this natural spawn rate is quite low.
2. Mossy Lure Modules
The most effective method for increasing apple spawns is by using Mossy Lure Modules. When placed on a PokéStop, these lures not only attract grass-type Pokémon but also drastically boost apple appearances nearby.
If you’re serious about farming apples, you should stock up on Mossy Lures and use them in areas with multiple PokéStops close together.
3. Timed Research and Event Rewards
During special events like “Sweet Discoveries” or seasonal celebrations, apples are often included as rewards in timed research tasks. These may appear in both free and premium tracks, offering guaranteed apple drops upon completion.
4. Refreshing the Map
Some players have noticed that apples may spawn invisibly and only appear after restarting the app. Restarting Pokémon GO or refreshing the map can “force” these hidden apples to load.
5. Playing Near Clustered PokéStops
The more PokéStops you can reach, the more potential apple spawn zones you create. Parks, shopping centers, or city landmarks with overlapping PokéStops are ideal farming grounds.
In short: Apples are rare, but Mossy Lures, event participation, and map refreshing can help maximize your haul.
Step-by-Step: The Best Way to Farm Apples
If you’re ready to stockpile Sweet and Tart Apples for your Applin evolutions, here’s a proven strategy:
Step 1: Gather Mossy Lure Modules
These lures are essential for farming. You can purchase them from the in-game shop, earn them through event rewards, or occasionally find them in Special Research.
Step 2: Find a Dense PokéStop Area
Look for an area with at least two or three PokéStops close together — parks, plazas, or urban hubs are perfect. The goal is to overlap multiple lure effects for a higher spawn density.
Step 3: Place and Activate Mossy Lures
Attach Mossy Lures to your PokéStops and wait for the green shimmering effect. Apples tend to appear more often within the lure radius, so make sure you stay within range.
Step 4: Move Slowly or Stay Put
You don’t need to constantly move. Staying still allows the spawns to accumulate around you. However, walking a short loop around the lured PokéStops can refresh spawn zones if nothing appears for a while.
Step 5: Keep an Eye on the Map
When you see an apple icon appear on the ground, tap it immediately. Some may vanish quickly, especially during events when spawn timers are shorter.
Step 6: Restart if Nothing Appears
If you’ve been stationary for several minutes and see no apples, restart Pokémon GO. Many players confirm that restarting often makes invisible apples appear instantly.
Step 7: Complete Timed or Special Research Tasks
Whenever an event featuring Applin or apples is live, prioritize completing tasks. These often reward guaranteed apples and may even include Applin encounters.
Step 8: Stay Patient
Apple farming requires persistence. Spawn rates are intentionally limited, and you might need several sessions to gather enough for a full evolution. The key is patience and efficient lure placement.
Pro Tips from Trainers
Here are some extra insights shared by players who’ve successfully farmed apples:
- Use multiple devices or play with friends. Some players can see apples that others cannot, so working together increases visibility and yield.
- Switch between different PokéStops if one area seems dry. Sometimes spawns cluster in one location.
- Check after in-game weather changes — certain conditions may temporarily boost grass-type or fruit-related spawns.
- Keep your item bag clear — if your inventory is full, you might miss apple rewards.
- Participate in every themed event. Events like Harvest Festival or Sweet Discoveries tend to feature apple-related tasks and boosted spawns.
Troubleshooting: Why You Might Not See Apples
Even after using lures and visiting busy areas, you may still run into issues. Here’s why:
- Spawn delays: Apples spawn less frequently than regular Pokémon, so gaps of several minutes are normal.
- Device desync: Some devices don’t refresh the overworld properly — restarting fixes this.
- Visual bugs: Occasionally, an apple spawn might appear invisible or overlap with another item. Try zooming or rotating the map.
- Event timing: Apples often appear more frequently during certain hours or events, so check event calendars before farming.
Remember, apples are designed to be a semi-rare reward — they’re meant to encourage exploration and teamwork, not instant gratification.
Future Apple Types and Evolution Updates
The apple evolution line in Pokémon GO is expected to expand in future updates. Data miners have already hinted at new evolution items, including Syrupy Apples, which may be tied to the Dipplin evolution from the main Pokémon series.
As new events roll out, players will likely see new apple types or limited-time variants, further expanding Applin’s evolutionary possibilities. Keeping an eye on official Pokémon GO event announcements will help you prepare early.
Why Collecting Apples Is Worth It
Applin’s evolutions—Appletun and Flapple—aren’t just adorable; they’re strategically useful too.
- Appletun (Sweet Apple evolution) is a bulky Grass/Dragon-type Pokémon with strong defensive stats and access to moves like Energy Ball and Dragon Pulse. It’s excellent for PvE battles and gym defense.
- Flapple (Tart Apple evolution) focuses on attack power, with moves like Dragon Claw and Acrobatics, making it a fun pick for PvP battles or raids.
Because each evolution requires 20 apples and 200 candies, players will need to farm diligently if they plan to collect both forms.
Summary: The Best Apple Farming Routine
Here’s a quick recap of the most efficient apple farming method:
- Stock up on Mossy Lure Modules.
- Head to an area with multiple PokéStops.
- Activate all your lures simultaneously.
- Walk slowly or stay nearby to trigger spawns.
- Tap apples as soon as they appear.
- Restart the game every few minutes if no apples spawn.
- Complete event tasks for guaranteed apples.
- Repeat patiently to collect enough for both evolutions.
Following this system, most players can gather enough Sweet and Tart Apples for both evolutions within a few active sessions, especially during apple-themed events.
Final Thoughts
Apples in Pokémon GO are a fun and rewarding twist on evolution mechanics. They combine exploration, event participation, and a touch of patience to create a more engaging gameplay experience.
Whether you’re aiming for the sturdy Appletun or the nimble Flapple, your journey starts with finding those elusive Sweet and Tart Apples.
By understanding spawn mechanics, using Mossy Lures strategically, and staying active during events, you’ll master apple farming in no time. Keep your eyes peeled — the next apple you tap could be the key to completing your Applin evolution collection!