Pokemon Go makers Niantic and The Pokemon Company said the app has passed 500 million downloads since launching in July, following reports which said its popularity was on the decline.

The game holds the App Store record for the most downloads in the first week of launch. But it is believed to be experiencing a downward trend as far as daily active users, downloads, and engagement metrics are concerned.

According to Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokemon Company: “The team at Niantic developed a unique experience that merges their expertise in cutting-edge location-based technologies with the beloved characters and classic gameplay of Pokemon. This ideal match of the right brand and the right technology has resonated with hundreds of millions of existing and new fans around the world.”

Pokemon Go for Apple Watch will launch later in the year.

John Hanke, CEO of Niantic, said: “We are encouraged by the fast adoption of the game and are pleased to see so many people walk and play every day. Pokemon Go for Apple Watch will be another way people can incorporate the game into their daily lives, even more seamlessly.”