GoPro Fluid Pro AI First Look: The Smartest Gimbal for Solo Creators is Here

Nine years is a lifetime in the tech world. Since the release of the Karma Grip stabilizer in 2016, the gimbal market has exploded with smart, AI-powered options from brands like DJI and Insta360. Now, GoPro is finally stepping back into the ring, and it’s coming out swinging. Meet the Fluid Pro AI, a new 3-axis gimbal that aims to be the ultimate sidekick for action cameras and smartphones alike, thanks to a heavy dose of artificial intelligence.

Announced alongside the highly anticipated Max 2 and Lit Hero cameras, the Fluid Pro AI signals a significant shift in GoPro's strategy. This isn't just an accessory for GoPro loyalists; it's a direct play for the massive smartphone creator market. Let's dive into what makes this new gimbal a potential game-changer.

Beyond the Karma Grip: Universal Compatibility and a Smart Payload

The most immediate upgrade from the old Karma Grip is the Fluid Pro AI's versatility. The new model features interchangeable mounts designed to securely hold not just GoPro action cameras, but also compact point-and-shoots and, most importantly, modern smartphones. This universal approach is a welcome move, acknowledging that today's creators often switch between devices.

But a universal mount is useless if it can't handle heavy phones. GoPro seems to have future-proofed the Fluid Pro AI with an impressive maximum payload capacity of 400 grams. To put that in perspective, that’s enough to comfortably support today’s largest flagship phones and those of the near future, like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (expected around 218g) and the iPhone 17 Pro Max (estimated 233g), with room to spare.

The official announcement, which details the entire new ecosystem, highlights GoPro's commitment to a more integrated hardware experience.

You can read the full press release detailing the Max 2, Lit Hero, and Fluid Pro AI on PR Newswire.

The "AI" is the Star: Intelligent Subject Tracking for Solo Shooters

While the build is robust, the real magic of the Fluid Pro AI lies in its namesake feature: AI-powered subject tracking. This technology allows the gimbal to automatically lock onto a subject—be it a person's face or their entire body—and keep them perfectly framed as they move. For vloggers, fitness influencers, and any solo creator, this is a transformative feature.

Imagine setting up the gimbal, starting your recording, and then being free to walk, talk, and perform without ever worrying about stepping out of the shot. The Fluid Pro AI does the work of a dedicated camera operator, smoothly panning and tilting to maintain a professional composition. This puts it in direct competition with the tracking features found on rivals like the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P and the Insta360 Flow Pro.

Built for Pros: Integrated Fill Light and Marathon Battery Life

GoPro didn’t stop at tracking. The Fluid Pro AI is packed with creator-centric features. An integrated fill light on the front helps ensure your subject is well-lit in dim conditions, eliminating the need for an external accessory for quick shots. A built-in display provides at-a-glance access to key settings like battery life, mode, and tracking status, making adjustments quick and intuitive.

However, the most staggering spec might be the battery life. GoPro claims the Fluid Pro AI can last up to 18 hours on a single charge. This dwarfs the competition and means you could theoretically shoot for multiple days without needing a recharge. And if your phone is running low on juice? The gimbal can double as a power bank, a incredibly practical touch for long days on the go.

For more detailed specifications and official promotional material, be sure to check out GoPro's own announcement page.

The Catch: A Premium Price in a Competitive Field

All these premium features come at a cost. The GoPro Fluid Pro AI will retail for $229.99 when it launches on October 21. This positions it at the higher end of the market, significantly above the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P (~$149.99), the Insta360 Flow Pro (~$129), and the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra (~$169).

The question for creators will be whether the exceptional battery life, universal compatibility, and GoPro's reputation for build quality justify the premium over established rivals. For professionals and serious enthusiasts who need reliability and all-day power, the Fluid Pro AI makes a compelling case.

Final Thoughts

The GoPro Fluid Pro AI is more than just a new gimbal; it's a statement. By embracing AI tracking and universal compatibility, GoPro is proving it's serious about winning over the broader creator community. While the price is steep, the feature set—especially the marathon battery life—is designed to appeal to those for whom reliability is non-negotiable. If it delivers on its promises, the Fluid Pro AI could very well become the new gold standard for smartphone and action camera stabilization.

The GoPro Fluid Pro AI will be available starting October 21. You can expect to find it at major retailers like Amazon.
(Please note: These are affiliate links to the product category for illustration. The exact product page will be live upon release.)