DJI's rumored Avata 360 drone appears to be targeting a March 2026 launch with competitive pricing starting at ~$435, positioning itself as a direct competitor to the Antigravity A1.
The DJI Avata 360 has emerged from the rumor mill with concrete details about its pricing, configurations, and expected launch timeline. Drone enthusiast Jasper Ellens has provided fresh insights into what appears to be DJI's answer to the Antigravity A1, which currently retails for $1,599 on Amazon.
Initially spotted as the "Avata 3" in May 2025 leaks, the project has evolved into what insiders now confirm is a 360-degree camera drone. The development timeline has shifted multiple times, with DJI originally targeting a late 2025 release before pushing back to a March 2026 window. According to Ellens, this March 2026 launch remains on track, though with an interesting regional twist.
China-First Launch Strategy
Based on DJI's historical patterns, Ellens predicts the Avata 360 will debut in China first, potentially followed by a global launch approximately two weeks later or in early April. This staged approach allows DJI to test market reception and iron out any issues before a wider release.
Supporting this timeline, an Avata 360 instructional video has surfaced within DJI's beta applications, suggesting the company has already begun shipping review units to media outlets and influencers. This pre-launch activity typically indicates a product is nearing its official debut.
Competitive Pricing Structure
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the leaks involves the Avata 360's pricing strategy. The drone will be available in three configurations:
- Base model: CNY 2,988 (~$435) with a single battery
- Mid-tier: CNY 3,988 (~$575) with an RC 2 remote controller
- Premium bundle: CNY 5,688 (~$825) with three batteries, charging hub, carry case, and choice of RC 2 or Goggles N3
This aggressive pricing positions the Avata 360 as a significantly more affordable alternative to the Antigravity A1, potentially disrupting the premium 360-degree drone market. The base price of under $500 makes it accessible to a much broader audience than current high-end 360-degree drones.
Market Positioning
The Avata 360 appears designed to capture both enthusiast and professional markets with its tiered approach. The entry-level configuration offers the core drone experience at a budget-friendly price point, while the premium bundle provides everything needed for serious aerial cinematography.
The inclusion of Goggles N3 as an option in the top-tier package suggests DJI is targeting FPV (First Person View) enthusiasts who value immersive flying experiences. This versatility could help the Avata 360 appeal to multiple user segments simultaneously.
What This Means for the Drone Market
If these leaks prove accurate, DJI's Avata 360 could significantly shake up the 360-degree drone segment. The combination of competitive pricing, flexible configurations, and DJI's brand reputation creates a compelling value proposition that could pressure competitors to adjust their strategies.
The staged China-first launch also reflects DJI's confidence in the product and their understanding of regional market dynamics. By establishing a strong presence in their home market before expanding globally, DJI can build momentum and address any initial feedback before the international release.
As we approach the March 2026 launch window, more concrete details about the Avata 360's specifications, flight capabilities, and camera performance will likely emerge. For now, the pricing and configuration leaks suggest DJI is positioning this drone as an accessible entry point into 360-degree aerial photography and videography.
The leaked pricing image confirms the three-tier structure, with the base model starting at approximately $435. This aggressive pricing strategy could make 360-degree drone technology accessible to a much wider audience than current premium offerings.
Source: DroneXL & Jasper Ellens
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