DJI Fly App Update 1.16.4: Enhanced Home Point Control Boosts Flight Safety

The latest update to the DJI Fly app, version 1.16.4, rolled out on March 6, 2025, introduces a significant new feature that enhances flight safety and flexibility for drone pilots. According to details from the official DJI download center, this update allows users to manually update the Home Point when the One-Tap Return-to-Home prompt appears, addressing a long-standing need for adaptability during missions. This improvement, paired with general performance optimizations, underscores DJI’s ongoing commitment to refining its software ecosystem for a diverse range of drone models.

Understanding the Home Point Enhancement

The standout addition in version 1.16.4 is the ability to manually adjust the Home Point—a critical setting that dictates where a drone returns during emergencies or when the return-to-home function activates. Previously, pilots relied on the initial Home Point set at takeoff, which could pose risks if conditions changed, such as a pilot relocating to a new position. The new feature, triggered by the One-Tap Return-to-Home pop-up, lets users redefine this location mid-flight, offering a practical solution for dynamic environments like search-and-rescue operations or shifting landscapes.

This update builds on DJI’s established safety protocols, integrating seamlessly with the app’s real-time flight data interface. Pilots can now respond to evolving scenarios without interrupting their workflow, a move that could prove invaluable for both recreational flyers and professionals navigating complex airspace.

Technical Context and Performance Tweaks

Beyond the Home Point feature, version 1.16.4 addresses “certain issues” and optimizes overall app quality. While DJI’s release notes lack specific details—a common practice that invites skepticism—such updates typically fix bugs related to connectivity, camera performance, or flight stability. Given the app’s support for a broad lineup including the DJI Neo, Mini 4 Pro, and Mavic 3 Pro, these enhancements likely ensure compatibility and reliability across devices.

The app, which debuted in 2019 with the Mavic Mini, has evolved from a simplified alternative to DJI Go into a robust platform. It requires Android 7.0 or later and iOS 13.0 or higher, with recommended devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max. The 1.11 GB file size reflects its comprehensive features, including flight tutorials, an advanced editor, and access to the FlySafe database for regulatory compliance.

Industry Implications and Market Trends

This update aligns with a growing trend in the Drone Industry toward greater user control and safety. Competitors like Autel Robotics and Skydio have introduced similar navigation enhancements, but DJI’s scale—supporting over 20 drone models—gives it an edge. The Home Point adjustment could attract professional users, such as surveyors or filmmakers, who operate in unpredictable conditions, potentially boosting DJI’s market share in the $10 billion commercial drone sector.

However, the lack of transparency in “fixed issues” raises questions. Past updates, like the 1.12.4 release for Vision Assist, detailed specific fixes, suggesting DJI might be withholding information to avoid highlighting past shortcomings. Pilots should test the update thoroughly, especially in critical missions, to verify stability.

Regulatory and Operational Considerations

The ability to update the Home Point mid-flight doesn’t bypass regulatory limits but enhances compliance with them. In the U.S., Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules require drones to return to a designated safe location, and this feature ensures pilots can align with such mandates. Similarly, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) guidelines emphasize dynamic adjustments, making this update timely as global regulations tighten.

Infrastructure needs remain minimal—pilots need only a compatible device and stable internet for initial downloads. Yet, the update’s effectiveness hinges on accurate GPS data, a potential vulnerability in areas with poor satellite coverage.

Future Outlook and DroneXL’s Take

The Home Point feature signals DJI’s focus on adaptive flight control, a direction that could shape future updates. As drone usage expands into Urban Air Mobility and beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations, such flexibility will be essential. The optimizations also hint at preparations for upcoming models, possibly the rumored Mavic 4 Pro, though no official confirmation exists.

DroneXL’s Take

This update is a solid step forward, but DJI’s vague patch notes erode TRUST. Pilots should welcome the safety boost while pushing for clearer communication from the company. Expect further refinements as user feedback rolls in, especially from pros testing the feature in real-world conditions.

The DJI Fly App remains a cornerstone for drone enthusiasts, and version 1.16.4 reinforces its position with practical innovation. Keep the app updated to unlock these benefits and stay ahead in the evolving drone landscape.