A new DJI drone has surfaced on the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website: Neo 2. In the world of US technology regulation, an FCC listing is the first major hurdle for any wireless-enabled product. It signifies that the device’s radio components have passed rigorous testing, ensuring compliance with US spectrum regulations — an essential step before any legal sale. Yet, while the FCC’s greenlight is a promising sign, it doesn’t guarantee that this new DJI drone will be available to American consumers without further complications.
One of the most enticing details revealed by the FCC documentation is that the Neo 2 will be powered by a 1606 mAh battery, a notable upgrade from the original Neo’s 1435 mAh capacity. This approximately 12% increase in battery capacity promises a longer flight time than the original DJI Neo‘s 18 minutes.
Featuring full coverage propeller guards, the Neo is a favorite among vloggers and travelers. Weighing only 135 grams, it eludes FAA registration requirements, which has made the Neo an instant hit for those seeking a compact, hassle-free drone solution. With features such as palm takeoff and landing, intuitive subject tracking powered by artificial intelligence, and a suite of QuickShot modes designed for easy cinematic effects, the Neo delivers 4K/30fps stabilized videos and 12 MP stills with its built-in storage of 22 GB.
The enhancement in battery capacity for the Neo 2 hints at even longer flight durations and more reliable performance, ensuring that on-the-go creators can capture extended footage without interruption.
While the FCC’s listing is a major step forward, there remains a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the release of the Neo 2 in the US market.
Since October 2024, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been detaining shipments of certain DJI products at ports, citing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). This act enables CBP to presume goods “wholly or in part” from China’s Xinjiang region involve forced labor, barring them unless proven otherwise. DJI firmly disputes any forced‑labor ties, insisting production is based in Shenzhen or Malaysia — never Xinjiang — and emphasising its absence from the UFLPA Entity List.
However, the fallout has already affected the availability of some DJI drones. The flagship Mavic 4 Pro was never officially released in the United States, leaving a noticeable gap in DJI’s US product lineup. Similarly, the DJI Power 1000 V2 has encountered barriers to entering the US market, as detailed in our recent coverage. Such precedents cast a shadow of doubt over whether the Neo 2, despite its FCC-approved status, will actually make it onto American shelves without regulatory or customs roadblocks.
Nevertheless, DJI is already teasing its next product that is slated for the US market: the Osmo 360 camera. With a release date of July 31, this innovative 360-degree camera promises to offer immersive imaging and is seen as a strong complement to DJI’s suite of aerial and handheld cameras.
More: The devastating real-world impact of a DJI drone ban
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments