If you’ve been patiently saving your pennies and circling a date on your calendar for the traditional autumn launch of a new flagship GoPro, we’ve got some surprising news for you. For the first time in over a decade, GoPro is breaking from its annual release cycle. The widely anticipated GoPro Hero 14 Black is not happening.
Instead, a major leak points to a complete strategic shift from the action camera giant. Get ready for a new lineup with new names, new designs, and what appears to be a bold new direction for the company.
The Leak That Changed Everything
The news comes from a detailed report by The New Camera, which has a solid track record with insider information. According to their sources, GoPro is planning a special announcement event for September 23, 2024. But the guest of honor won't be the Hero 14.
So, what’s on the menu? According to the leak, GoPro is preparing to launch two new cameras: the GoPro "lit" Hero and the long-awaited GoPro Max 2.
This isn't just a simple name change. It signals a fundamental rethink of how GoPro segments its market and caters to its diverse user base, from hardcore adventurers to everyday family vloggers.
A deep dive into the leak and what it all means can be found in this comprehensive report from The New Camera.
Say Hello to the "lit" Hero and Max 2
Let's break down what we think we know about these two new models.
1. The GoPro "lit" Hero: A Creator-Centric Powerhouse?
The name is quirky, but the potential is huge. The "lit" Hero is rumored to be the spiritual successor to the Hero Black line, but with a heavy focus on the creator community. Speculated features include:
- A Larger Sensor: This is the big one. A move to a larger sensor would significantly improve low-light performance (living up to the "lit" name), dynamic range, and overall image quality, finally closing the gap with modern smartphones.
- Enhanced Computational Photography: Think smarter HDR, better stabilization software (building on HyperSmooth), and AI-powered features that make editing and capturing the perfect shot even easier.
- A Focus on Vlogging: We might see a fully articulating screen, improved microphone input, and better integration with live streaming platforms.
This wouldn't be a mere incremental update like the Hero 12 was to the Hero 11. This could be the first true generational leap in GoPro hardware in years.
2. The GoPro Max 2: The 360° King Returns
The original GoPro Max, released in 2019, has been dearly loved but desperately needs an update. The Max 2 is poised to be a monumental upgrade:
- Massive Resolution Bump: Expect 8K 360-degree video recording, a huge step up from the Max's 5.6K. This allows for incredibly high-quality reframing in post-production.
- Higher Frame Rates: Smoother slow-motion capture in the 360-degree space.
- Improved Software: GoPro’s reframing and "OverCapture" software is great, but it can be streamlined. The Max 2 will likely launch with a vastly improved and more intuitive editing experience.
This camera is aimed squarely at professional creators, VR content producers, and anyone who wants the ultimate flexibility in post-production.
Visual evidence of the upcoming models has also started to surface. Prominent leaker @hakasushi on X (formerly Twitter) shared what appears to be a product roadmap, further corroborating the new naming strategy.
You can see the leaked product roadmap for yourself in this tweet from @hakasushi.
Why the Sudden Shift? GoPro's Smart Strategy
Skipping the Hero 14 isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of intelligence. The action camera market is saturated, and smartphone cameras are more powerful than ever. GoPro’s annual incremental updates were starting to feel predictable and, for many users, unnecessary.
This new strategy does two brilliant things:
- It Creates Real Differentiation: Instead of one camera trying to be everything to everyone, GoPro can now market two distinct tools. The "lit" for ultra-high-quality traditional action shots and vlogging, and the Max 2 for immersive 360-degree content.
- It Justifies the Upgrade: By moving to a less frequent, more meaningful upgrade cycle, GoPro gives engineers more time to develop groundbreaking features. This gives consumers a much more compelling reason to upgrade than just a slightly better battery life or a new chipset.
What Should You Do Now? Wait or Buy?
If you were holding out for a Hero 14, the decision is now clear: wait until after September 23. The announcement is just around the corner, and it will give you a full picture of your options.
If you need a camera right now, the current GoPro Hero 12 Black is an absolutely phenomenal piece of kit. It's a mature, incredibly capable camera that represents the pinnacle of GoPro's previous design philosophy. With rumors of a price drop once the new models are announced, it could become an incredible bargain for anyone who doesn't need the bleeding-edge features of the new "lit" model.
The GoPro Hero 12 Black is still one of the best action cameras ever made and is currently available on Amazon.
The bottom line? The action camera world is about to get a lot more interesting. GoPro isn't fading away; it's evolving. By potentially cannibalizing its own iconic naming convention, it’s making a brave play for the future. September 23 can’t come soon enough.
🫡New HERO:
— Igor Bogdanov (@Quadro_News) September 20, 2025
✅4K60 video
✅12 MP photos
✅4:3 video: 165° wide-angle lens and 25% wider viewing angle
✅Ability to extract photos from videos
✅TimeLapse mode
✅Built-in LED light: New feature with 3 brightness levels#GoPro pic.twitter.com/kWP69tZ1Ps
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