The drone world is buzzing with a potent mix of excitement and urgency. DJI, the global leader in consumer and professional drone technology, appears to be on the cusp of launching its first-ever 360-degree drone, the highly anticipated Avata 360. And according to mounting evidence, its release is not just a matter of innovation, but a strategic race against a looming regulatory deadline that could block its sale in the United States.
For enthusiasts and professionals alike, the message is clear: the era of immersive, spherical drone footage is about to get a major player, and you might need to act fast to get one.
The FCC Filing: A Green Light with an Expiration Date
The story took a concrete turn earlier this week when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published official documentation for the DJI Avata 360. This certification is a critical and final step for any electronic device sold in the US, effectively giving DJI the green light to bring the product to one of its most crucial markets.
However, this green light comes with a ticking clock. The certification is set against the backdrop of impending US sales restrictions on DJI, which are scheduled to take effect after December 23. Unless a last-minute—and currently unlikely—US security audit intervenes, DJI faces a ban on the sales of new products like the Avata 360. This pressure-cooker situation has led industry analysts to a single conclusion: DJI plans to launch and ship the Avata 360 before this deadline hits.
This strategic move is not happening in a vacuum. As DroneXL reports in a detailed exclusive, the same "launch before the ban" strategy is also expected for the long-rumored Osmo Pocket 4, indicating a full-court press from DJI to get its next-generation products into consumers' hands while it still can.
Taking Aim at the Competition: The Insta360 Factor
The launch of the Avata 360 is significant not just for its timing, but for its target. This will be DJI's first direct foray into the 360-degree drone space, a niche currently dominated by companies like Insta360. The Avata 360 is positioned as a direct competitor to Insta360's recently announced Antigravity A1, a drone that has generated significant hype for its ability to capture seamless spherical footage.
Reports now suggest that DJI isn't just looking to compete on features—it plans to compete aggressively on price. While the final pricing for the Insta360 Antigravity A1 remains unconfirmed, rumors have placed its starting cost at around $999. Insiders indicate that DJI intends to price the base configuration of the Avata 360 at this same key price point.
This would achieve two things simultaneously: it would immediately make the Avata 360 a price-competitive alternative to the Antigravity A1, while also representing a calculated price increase over DJI's own existing model.
What You Get for the Price: A Speculative Leap Forward
So, what can potential buyers expect from the Avata 360 for that estimated $999? For context, the current DJI Avata 2 starts at $849 on Amazon, meaning the new 360 model would command a roughly 8% price increase (about $79).
For that premium, the technological leap appears to be substantial. The most significant upgrade is expected to be the camera system. Where the Avata 2 uses a single wide-angle sensor, the Avata 360 is rumored to be equipped with two 1/1.1-inch camera sensors. This dual-sensor setup is the key to capturing a full 360-degree sphere of view in stunning detail.
Furthermore, the camera housing is reported to feature a revolutionary 90-degree rotation mechanism. This would allow the drone to seamlessly switch between capturing traditional, forward-facing FPV (First-Person View) footage and full 360-degree spherical video, all within a single flight. This versatility would be a game-changer for creators who want the adrenaline rush of FPV flying combined with the immersive, reframing possibilities of 360-degree capture.
The Bottom Line: A High-Stakes Product Launch
The stage is set for one of the most dramatic product launches in recent drone history. The DJI Avata 360 is no longer just a rumor; it's a certified product with a seemingly imminent release window. Driven by the dual forces of competitive pressure and a regulatory countdown, DJI is poised to shake up the 360 aerial video market in a major way.
For consumers, this means keeping a very close watch on official DJI announcements in the coming weeks. If the rumors hold, the Avata 360 will offer cutting-edge dual-sensor 360 capabilities at a price that directly challenges its rivals. But with the December 23 ban deadline looming, availability could be limited, making this one drone release you won't want to wait on.
