DJI Launch Event, Mavic 4 Pro Rumors, and Updates from Autel, Skydio, and Parrot

The drone world is buzzing with excitement! DJI’s upcoming launch event on April 16, 2025, hints at new payloads for industrial drones like the Matrice 350 RTK, while the Mavic 4 Pro, rumored for May 13, promises 6K recording and a 52-minute flight time. Autel’s Dragonfish series levels up for industrial tasks, Skydio patches a safety flaw in its X10, and Parrot’s ANAFI drones score new partnerships and software upgrades. Dive into the details below for the full scoop!

Key Points

It seems likely that DJI will launch new industrial drone payloads on April 16, 2025, based on recent announcements.
Research suggests the DJI Mavic 4 Pro launch is delayed to May 13, 2025, with features like 6K recording, though details are still emerging.
Autel and Skydio have recent updates for their Dragonfish and X10 drones, enhancing industrial and safety features.
Parrot drones, like ANAFI USA, are being used in new partnerships, with software updates for better connectivity.

DJI Upcoming Event

DJI has announced a product launch event for April 16, 2025, at 8 a.m. EDT, likely focusing on new spotlight and speaker payloads for industrial drones like the Matrice 350 RTK. The teasers “Light Up The Night” and “Reach Loud and Clear” suggest improvements for nighttime operations and emergency communications.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro Rumors

Rumors indicate the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, initially set for April 24, is now delayed to May 13, 2025. It’s expected to feature three cameras, 6K recording, and a 52-minute flight time, with an electronic ND filter that snaps onto the camera, starting at $2,250.

Other Drone Updates

Autel Dragonfish: Updated in March 2025, now with stable takeoffs on moving platforms, focusing on Standard and Pro models.
Skydio X10/X10D: A critical firmware update in March 2025 fixes a power loss issue, requiring battery updates for safe flights.
Parrot ANAFI: Recent news includes use by French forces and 4G connectivity, with software updates enhancing developer tools.

Survey Note: Comprehensive Drone Industry Insights as of April 15, 2025

This detailed survey compiles the latest developments in drone news, product updates, and rumors, focusing on major manufacturers like DJI, Autel, Skydio, and Parrot. The information is sourced from recent web articles and X posts, ensuring a comprehensive overview for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

DJI: Upcoming Launch and Rumors

DJI, a leader in the drone industry, has scheduled a significant product launch event for April 16, 2025, at 8 a.m. EDT. According to DroneDJ – DJI teases product launch event for April 16, the event’s teaser taglines, “Light Up The Night” and “Reach Loud and Clear,” suggest the introduction of new spotlight and speaker payloads for industrial drones, such as the Matrice 350 RTK. This model, unveiled in May 2023, boasts a 55-minute flight time, 2.7 kg payload capacity, and an IP55 rating, making it suitable for challenging conditions. The anticipated payloads could enhance utility in critical operations like nighttime search and rescue and real-time communication for emergencies, with full coverage expected post-event.

Separately, rumors about the DJI Mavic 4 Pro have been circulating, with initial plans for a April 24 launch now delayed to May 13, 2025, as confirmed by multiple X posts. For instance, JasperEllens on X and djirumor on X reported a leaked NDA email extending the test period to May 11, suggesting a busy testing phase. Earlier, djirumor on X detailed expected features: three cameras, 6K recording, 52-minute flight time, and a new electronic ND filter system, with pricing starting at $2,250. An article from DroneDJ – DJI Mavic 4 Pro’s electronic ND filter on April 1, 2025, clarified that the ND filter will snap onto the camera, not be integrated, with accessories priced as follows:

Accessory	Price (USD)
Electronic ND Filter	220
Intelligent Flight Battery	180
Parallel Charging Hub	100
Propellers	19
Propeller Guard	39
DJI Care Refresh 1-Year Plan	225
DJI Care Refresh 2-Year Plan	365

The release timeline, initially expected no earlier than late April, aligns with the delay rumors, adding complexity to the launch schedule.

Autel Robotics: Dragonfish Enhancements

Autel Robotics has made significant updates to its Dragonfish series, as reported by DRONELIFE – Autel Dragonfish Updates 2025 on March 24, 2025. The updates focus on refining the platform for industrial and professional users, discontinuing the Dragonfish Lite model to streamline the lineup to Standard and Pro models. A key enhancement is the ability to perform stable takeoffs and landings on moving platforms, such as vehicles or ships, broadening applications in maritime surveillance and mobile command missions. This reflects Autel’s strategy to optimize for sectors like public safety, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring.

Skydio: Critical Firmware Update

Skydio, known for its autonomous drones, addressed a safety concern with its X10 and X10D models through a critical firmware update, detailed in DroneDJ – Skydio X10 battery firmware update on March 1, 2025. The update, version 37.2.72 for the drone and 37.2.32 for the controller, tackles a rare power loss issue caused by a battery management system fault, ensuring safer operations. Users must update all batteries to fly, highlighting Skydio’s commitment to reliability, especially for Drone as First Responder and inspection missions.

Parrot: Partnerships and Software Updates

Parrot, a European drone manufacturer, has seen recent activity with its ANAFI series. According to Parrot Official Website – Newsroom, on April 10, 2025, the ANAFI USA was noted as trusted by French forces, underscoring its role in defense applications. On April 3, 2025, 4G connectivity was highlighted for the ANAFI Ai, enhancing operational flexibility. Additionally, DroneDJ – Parrot mentioned a software update for the ANAFI Ai and FreeFlight 7 app, released in October 2022 but relevant for ongoing development, offering tools for developers to create custom flight missions, improving data gathering for mapping and inspection.

This survey provides a detailed snapshot of the drone industry’s current state, reflecting both confirmed updates and emerging rumors, ensuring users have a comprehensive understanding of recent developments.