New and Upcoming DJI Drones (2026): Releases, Leaks and the US Ban
DJI still releases more new drones each year than any other manufacturer, but 2026 has been unusual. Alongside new consumer and enterprise models, DJI has been shut out of new product approvals in the United States, which changes what “upcoming” means depending on where you live. This page covers what DJI has released recently, what is coming next and how strong the evidence is, and where things stand in the US.
Quick answer (November 2026): DJI’s newest drones are the Avata 360, the entry-level Lito 1 and Lito X1, and the Matrice 5TD enterprise drone. The next consumer drone most likely to arrive is the Neo 3, which has already leaked in detail. New DJI models are not being authorised for sale in the United States after DJI was added to the FCC Covered List in December 2025, although DJI drones you already own can still be flown legally.
DJI drones released in 2025 and 2026
These are the main DJI drone launches of the last two years:
| Drone | Released | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Matrice 4 series | January 2025 | Enterprise |
| Matrice 400 | May 2025 | Enterprise |
| Mini 5 Pro | September 2025 | Consumer |
| Neo 2 | November 2025 | Consumer |
| Avata 360 | Spring 2026 | Consumer FPV / 360° |
| Lito 1 and Lito X1 | April 2026 | Entry-level consumer |
| Matrice 5TD (with Dock 4) | October 2026 | Enterprise |
The consumer highlights were the Mini 5 Pro, DJI’s most capable Mini yet with a larger camera sensor, the tiny palm-launched Neo 2, and the Avata 360, which adds 360° capture to DJI’s cinewhoop-style FPV line. In April 2026 DJI added a new entry-level range, the Lito 1 and Lito X1, launched globally but not in the US. On the enterprise side, the Matrice 4 and Matrice 400 arrived in 2025, followed by the Matrice 5TD and Dock 4 in October 2026.
Upcoming DJI drones: what is coming next
DJI never confirms products until launch day, so everything below comes from leaks, regulatory filings and DJI’s own teasers. We have ranked each one by how solid the evidence is.
DJI Neo 3 – very likely, late 2026
The Neo 3 has leaked in detail through a photographed battery label, a China registry entry and an unboxing video. Leaks point to a 192.7 g drone with a square 1/1.1-inch camera sensor, caged propellers, a three-cell battery and support for the RC Mini controller. A China-first launch in late 2026 looks likely. Leaked specifications can still change before release, and leaked prices change even more often.
New DJI enterprise drone – officially teased for 5 November 2026
DJI’s enterprise division has scheduled an announcement for 5 November 2026. The teaser shows a folding airframe carrying a Matrice 5TD-style thermal gimbal, so expect a more portable inspection and public-safety drone.
DJI Air 4 – rumour, late 2026 at the earliest
A Chinese certification code reported in July 2026 has been linked to an Air 4, but that link is unconfirmed and there is no packaging or prototype leak yet. It could slip into 2027.
DJI Mini 6 Pro – probably 2027
Given DJI’s usual cycle, a successor to the Mini 5 Pro is likely eventually, but there is currently no filing, packaging or prototype evidence, so treat any Mini 6 Pro “leaks” with caution.
Can you still buy and fly DJI drones in the US?
This is the question most US readers now ask before buying. Here is the current position as of November 2026:
- New models cannot be authorised. The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act required a US security agency to audit DJI within a year. When that deadline passed on 23 December 2025 without an audit, DJI was added to the FCC Covered List, which blocks new FCC equipment authorisations. New DJI drones therefore cannot be legally marketed or imported into the US, which is why the Lito range and other 2026 launches skipped the US.
- Previously authorised models can still be sold. Drones that received FCC approval before the change, such as the Mini 5 Pro, Neo 2 and Air 3S, can still be sold, but stock is shrinking.
- Existing DJI drones can still be flown. Owners have not been grounded. The FAA rules for recreational and Part 107 flying are unchanged, although long-term repairs, batteries and firmware support may become harder to get.
- A further FCC rule took effect on 13 October 2026. It restricts new authorisations for devices containing certain electronic components from Covered List companies. It applies to new approvals only and does not revoke earlier ones or stop existing drones from flying.
- DJI is challenging the decision in the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, so the situation could still change.
This is a summary rather than legal advice. If you are buying for commercial or government work, check the latest guidance from the FCC and your industry body before you buy.
Which DJI drone should you buy now?
Outside the US, the newest models above are the ones to consider: the Mini 5 Pro for travel, the Neo 2 or Lito range for beginners, and the Avata 360 for immersive FPV-style flying. In the US, look at previously authorised models from reputable dealers so you get a proper warranty, and avoid grey-market imports of new models, which can bring activation, warranty and parts problems.
For background on earlier DJI models, see our DJI Mavic 3 review, DJI Mini 3 Pro review and DJI FPV review. If you fly in Europe, our guide to European drone legislation explains the rules there.
