For months, the drone community has been buzzing with speculation. Whispers of a mysterious, flat-bodied DJI prototype have circulated since May, with many assuming it was the inevitable Avata 3. But in a stunning new development, trusted leakers have pulled back the curtain to reveal a different, more strategic product entirely: the DJI Avata 360.
This isn't just a simple iteration. This is DJI launching a direct assault on a new market segment, squarely targeting the highly-anticipated Insta360 Antigravity A1 and fundamentally rethinking what its popular Avata line can be.
From Avata 3 Rumor to Avata 360 Reality
The journey to this revelation started over six months ago. As leakers correctly speculated about the now-launched DJI Neo 2 and Mini 5 Pro, another, more enigmatic drone was spotted in the wild. Collated by sources like The New Camera, these leaked images consistently showed a drone that broke dramatically from the compact, propeller-guarded design of the Avata 2.
Instead, the prototype featured a remarkably flat, almost disc-like profile. This design departure had enthusiasts scratching their heads. Why would DJI move so far away from the mature, successful formula of the Avata 2, a drone that only launched in April 2024 and remains a top seller (currently $1,199 on Amazon)?
The answer, it seems, is that they weren't looking at an Avata 3 at all.
![A leaked image of the flat DJI Avata 360 prototype]
(https://x.com/Quadro_News/status/1985337243632869418)
In a bombshell report, renowned industry leaker Igor Bogdanov claims to have received confirmation that this unique drone will be officially named the DJI Avata 360. This single piece of information recontextualizes everything. The unconventional flat design isn't a stylistic misstep; it's a functional necessity to accommodate a spherical 360-degree camera system.
As detailed in a comprehensive report from The New Camera, this move positions the Avata 360 as a specialist tool, designed for immersive content creation that a traditional FPV drone simply can't match.
A New Front in the Drone Wars: DJI vs. Insta360
The announcement of the Avata 360 is a clear and calculated strategic move. For the first time, DJI will have a direct competitor to Insta360's flagship drone project.
Earlier this year, Insta360 previewed its first-ever drone, the Antigravity A1, creating a wave of excitement with its promise of a "no-fly-zone" fear-free shooting experience, thanks to its 360-degree capture capabilities. With a launch date set for January 2026, Insta360 seemed to have a head start in carving out this niche.
But DJI, it appears, is not willing to cede any ground. By launching the Avata 360, likely well before the Insta360 A1 hits shelves, DJI aims to leverage its massive brand recognition, robust manufacturing, and established software ecosystem to dominate the 360 FPV space from day one.
![Another angle of the DJI Avata 360 prototype showing its unique build]
(https://x.com/MauroTandoi/status/1966151290884595843)
The potential battle lines are drawn. The Insta360 A1 promises seamless integration with the company's acclaimed 360 editing workflow. DJI, on the other hand, will likely counter with its own robust software, potentially bundled with its DJI Goggles and a controller for a complete, high-performance FPV experience.
What This Means for FPV Enthusiasts and the Future of the Avata Line
This pivot to a 360 model is a fascinating development for FPV pilots and content creators. The primary advantage of a 360 drone is the "shoot now, frame later" philosophy. You capture everything in a sphere around the drone, allowing you to choose your perfect angle, pan, and crop after the flight in post-production. This eliminates the anxiety of missing the shot and opens up incredible creative possibilities for dynamic, immersive videos.
However, this new focus raises questions. Will the Avata 360 retain the intuitive motion controller support and beginner-friendly safety features of the Avata 2? Or will it be a more specialized tool for professional creators? The leaked design suggests it may forego the full propeller guards of its predecessor, potentially making it less of a "crasher" drone and more of a precision flier.
According to the initial report on The New Camera, the DJI Avata 360 is expected to start at around $1,099. While the website notes this price point is unverified, it would position the Avata 360 aggressively against the anticipated cost of the Insta360 A1 and make it a compelling alternative for anyone considering the current Avata 2.
The Bottom Line
The confirmation of the DJI Avata 360 is more than just a product leak; it's a signal of intent. DJI is not content with leading the traditional and cinewhoop FPV markets. It sees the explosive potential of 360-degree immersive video and is moving decisively to own that category before a key rival can even get established.
For consumers, this competition is a win. It promises faster innovation, more features, and potentially better prices. The era of the 360 FPV drone is dawning, and it looks like DJI is determined to be the one to lead the charge.
What do you think? Are you more excited for the specialized DJI Avata 360 or would you prefer a traditional Avata 3 upgrade? Let us know in the comments below!
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