The action camera wars are heating up in a way we never expected. While all eyes are on DJI, preparing to unveil the Osmo Action 6 next week, their rival Insta360 is quietly preparing a surprise of its own. Forget a simple spec bump; Insta360 is about to blend the digital with the physical in a move that feels both nostalgic and brilliantly modern.
Fresh off the release of its Arctic White Edition, Insta360 is teasing a new hardware accessory for its popular Ace Pro 2 action camera. And no, it's not another protective case or a longer selfie stick. Leaked visuals and official teasers point to something far more creative: a Polaroid-inspired instant printer grip.
Scheduled for a full reveal on November 12, this innovative accessory could change how we share adventures, offering the ability to print photos on the spot, directly from the camera.
More Than a Grip: A Modular Creative Hub
So, what exactly is this new gadget? Based on the available information, Insta360 has developed a modular grip that the Ace Pro 2 slots into, transforming its look and feel into something resembling a compact, high-end camera.
The design is sleek and functional, featuring a knurled control dial that likely handles exposure or shooting mode adjustments, a dedicated shutter button for a more traditional photography experience, and a rocker switch for focus and zoom control. This alone makes it an attractive accessory for vloggers and creators who want more tactile control over their shots.
But the real magic lies in what's built into the base of the grip.
The Party in Your Pocket: A Built-In Instant Printer
The standout feature, and the one that will undoubtedly be the centerpiece of Insta360's marketing, is the integrated instant printer. This transforms the entire setup from a simple recording device into a portable photo booth. Imagine skiing down a slope, capturing a stunning action shot, and being able to hand a physical print to your friend minutes later at the lodge. Or at a festival, printing and sharing memories instantly.
The teaser video gives us our best look yet at the device in action, showcasing its compact form factor and the seamless integration with the Ace Pro 2.
This move is a clever way for Insta360 to expand the ecosystem of the Ace Pro 2 without launching a full successor. Following their past strategies, this new grip will likely be launched as part of special new Ace Pro 2 bundles, offering added value for new buyers, though it will probably be available as a standalone accessory for existing users as well.
What We Still Don't Know
While the excitement is building, crucial details remain under wraps. Pricing is the biggest question mark. Will this be a premium add-on, or an accessibly priced accessory to encourage widespread adoption? The cost of the proprietary photo paper will also be a key factor for its long-term popularity.
Furthermore, this innovative accessory launch does leave us wondering about the timeline for a true next-generation Insta360 action camera. For now, the company seems focused on enhancing the already excellent Ace Pro 2, which continues to be a top contender in the space.
You can check the current price and specs for the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 on Amazon here.
As DJI prepares to compete on traditional specs with the Osmo Action 6, Insta360 is playing a different game altogether—one focused on unique, shareable experiences. We'll be watching closely on November 12 to see if this instant-print gamble pays off.