The world of DJI never sleeps, and the rumor mill is buzzing louder than ever! From potential Mavic 4 Pro delays (or maybe not?) to an official product launch just days away, new developments on US regulations and tariffs, and insights from the recent NAB show, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s dive into the latest DJI news!
Mark Your Calendars: April 16th “Light Up the Night” Event
DJI is officially hosting a launch event on April 16th, themed “Light Up the Night.” While drone enthusiasts might hope for consumer product news, this event looks squarely aimed at the industrial sector.
We’re expecting the rollout of two new payloads for the robust Matrice 350 industrial drone:
Spotlight Module: This could be a game-changer for nighttime operations, particularly search and rescue missions.
Speaker Module: Enabling live voice communication, this payload allows operators to make announcements, guide individuals in emergency situations, or simply let them know help is on the way.
The Matrice 350 itself is already a powerhouse, boasting a 55-minute flight time, nearly 3kg payload capacity, versatile gimbal options, IP55 weather resistance, and the O3 transmission system with a 20km range. These new payloads will further enhance its capabilities, especially for emergency responders.
Navigating US Regulations: NDAA Evaluation Request
The ongoing saga between DJI and the US government continues. Recently, DJI sent an open letter to five key US security agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DoD).
The request? Immediately evaluate DJI products against the criteria set forth in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The crucial deadline is December 2025. If DJI products aren’t reviewed and approved by then, they risk being added to the FCC’s “covered list,” effectively restricting future sales and approvals in the lucrative US market.
DJI reiterated key security points in their letter:
Flight logs, images, and videos are not automatically synced to DJI servers unless the user specifically opts in.
Local Data Mode exists, firewalling the drone from internet connections to keep data contained.
This isn’t just about security; it’s about significant economic impact. The drone industry contributes an estimated $116 billion annually and supports around 450,000 jobs in the US. The outcome of this evaluation process remains critical for DJI’s future in the States.
The Looming Shadow of Tariffs
Adding another layer of complexity is the volatile situation surrounding tariffs on Chinese goods. Reports have suggested potential price increases on DJI drones by as much as 34%, although the exact figures and implementation timelines are currently in flux due to ongoing negotiations, retaliatory measures, and potential delays.
Key things to understand about tariffs:
They generally apply to newly imported goods.
Products already on store shelves (like at Best Buy) shouldn’t have had a tariff paid on them. However, retailers might still raise prices to match anticipated future costs.
When retailers restock inventory imported after tariffs take effect, those costs will almost certainly be passed on to consumers.
Expect uncertainty and potential price hikes for DJI products in the coming months. Pre-tariff pricing estimates (mentioned later) might soon be outdated.
DJI’s (Subtle) Presence at NAB 2025
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in Las Vegas recently concluded, and DJI was definitely there… sort of. While DJI gear like gimbals and the Osmo Action camera were ubiquitous, the “DJI” brand name itself was notably downplayed at their booth. The focus was heavily on their Ronin and Osmo lines.
Highlights from the show floor included:
Hands-on demos of the RS4 Mini gimbal.
An interactive area to test the Ronin 4D camera system’s stabilization.
Interestingly, no drones were visibly displayed at the DJI booth.
On the plus side for creators, DJI announced a significant price drop for the Ronin 4D 6K system, bringing it down from roughly $6700 to $5000 – a 25% reduction! This powerful system packs 4-axis stabilization and LiDAR focusing into one unit.
Furthermore, the Inspire 3 drone (specifically with the Zenmuse X9 8K camera) became the first drone officially certified for Netflix 4K Originals production, joining the Ronin 4D which has already been used on Netflix shows like “Adolescence”. Ironically, despite this certification, the Inspire 3 wasn’t showcased at NAB.
Firmware Update Alert: Check Your Settings!
A recent firmware update has been released for the DJI FPV drone (likely the Avata, based on context, though the transcript mentioned “Flip”). While it doesn’t introduce major new features, it focuses on improving flight stability, reliability, and overall performance.
Crucial Note: This firmware update reportedly resets all camera settings. Before updating, make sure to note your preferred presets and settings so you can easily re-apply them afterward.
The Main Event: Mavic 4 Pro Leaks & Rumors!
Now for the news many have been waiting for: more DJI Mavic 4 Pro leaks!
Here’s the latest intel circulating:
New Leaked Images: More glimpses of the potential drone design have surfaced.
RC Pro 2 Controller: Listings suggest a new controller featuring a 7-inch extendable touchscreen and a scroll wheel (function unknown – possibly camera control, aperture, or ND filter adjustment).
Bundling: The RC Pro 2 is expected to be bundled with the Creator Combo.
Pricing (Pre-Tariff Estimates):
Standard Combo: ~$2200 – $2800
Fly More Combo: ~$3200
Creator Combo (potentially Cine model): ~$5000 – $5400
Disclaimer: These prices are highly speculative and do not account for potential tariff impacts.
Creator Combo Contents: Likely to include extra flight batteries, ND filters, and other essential accessories.
Release Date: The initial rumor was March, which has passed. April is well underway, and with the tariff situation and political climate surrounding DJI, a firm release date remains uncertain. There seems to be a cloud hanging over major product announcements currently.
A big thanks to leak sources like Jasper Ellens (Drone XL) and Igor Bogdanoff (Quadron News) for sharing this information.
Wrapping Up
It’s a dynamic time for DJI. We have an industrial launch confirmed for April 16th, ongoing regulatory hurdles in the US, significant economic uncertainty due to tariffs, shifts in marketing focus observed at NAB, and tantalizing leaks about the highly anticipated Mavic 4 Pro and its new controller.
What are your thoughts on these developments? Are you excited about the Mavic 4 Pro leaks? Concerned about tariffs? Let us know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is DJI announcing on April 16th? The “Light Up the Night” event on April 16th is expected to unveil new payloads (Spotlight and Speaker modules) for their industrial Matrice 350 drone, primarily aimed at emergency response and nighttime operations.
Is the DJI Mavic 4 Pro delayed? While there’s no official confirmation, the initial rumors pointed to a March release, which didn’t happen. Given the current market complexities (tariffs, regulations), a delay seems plausible, but the exact timeline is unknown. Leaks suggest it’s still actively being prepared.
What’s new about the leaked RC Pro 2 controller? Leaks suggest the RC Pro 2, likely bundled with the Mavic 4 Pro Creator Combo, will feature a 7-inch extendable touchscreen and a physical scroll wheel, though the wheel’s specific function isn’t confirmed yet.
Are DJI drones going to be banned in the US? There isn’t an outright ban currently. However, DJI products need to undergo a security evaluation by US agencies before the end of December 2025 due to the NDAA. If they fail to get evaluated or don’t pass, they could be restricted from sale in the US market via the FCC’s “covered list.” DJI has formally requested this evaluation begin immediately.
Will DJI drone prices go up because of tariffs? It’s highly likely. While the exact percentage and timing are uncertain due to ongoing trade negotiations, tariffs on Chinese imports are expected to increase the cost of newly imported DJI products. Consumers should anticipate potential price hikes in the future.
Why wasn’t DJI’s branding prominent at NAB 2025? DJI seemed to focus its branding on its sub-brands like Ronin and Osmo at NAB 2025, with less emphasis on the main “DJI” name and no drones displayed at their booth. The exact reason is speculative – it could be a strategic shift to highlight their filmmaking tools or perhaps related to the current regulatory scrutiny.
What should I do before installing the latest DJI Avata/FPV firmware? Crucially, back up or note down your current camera settings and presets. Reports indicate the latest firmware update resets these configurations, so you’ll need to re-apply them manually after the update is complete.
