GoPro Max 2 Prototype Leak: Ready to Battle DJI’s Osmo 360?

DroneXL readers, grab your DJI controllers and buckle up for some 360-degree camera drama. A prototype of the GoPro Max 2, the long-awaited successor to the 2019 GoPro Max, just surfaced on a Chinese marketplace, spilling some tantalizing clues about what’s coming.

TechRadar reports this leak, spotted by Notebookcheck, shows a bare-bones version of the camera, hinting at GoPro’s big plans to take on the Insta360 X5 and DJI’s Osmo 360, which we reviewed pre-release at DroneXL.co. With the 360-camera market heating up faster than a drone battery in overdrive, let’s dive into what this leak reveals, how it stacks up against DJI’s latest, and why your next epic shoot might get a serious upgrade.

A Sneak Peek at the GoPro Max 2 Prototype

The GoPro Max 2 prototype is like a DJI Mavic spotted in beta testing—intriguing but not quite ready for prime time. TechRadar notes it’s missing a screen, a clear sign it’s not the final product, as the retail version will have one.

The leak, found on a Chinese marketplace, shows off the Folding Fingers mounting system, a staple on recent GoPro cameras like the Hero 13 Black. It’s a rugged, versatile setup that’ll make your DJI-loving heart skip a beat, perfect for mounting on helmets, bikes, or your drone rig for those wild action shots.

Inside, the prototype reveals beefy heatsinks, suggesting the Max 2 might run hotter than a summer drone flight. This could mean GoPro’s packing serious processing power for high-res 360-degree video, likely aiming to match or beat the 8K capabilities of the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360. The leak also gives a glimpse of the camera’s size and one of its front-facing fisheye lenses, critical for capturing that immersive spherical footage.

While TechRadar says it’s too early to judge image quality, the hardware hints at a camera built to compete. For DroneXL readers, it’s a tease that screams potential, like spotting a new DJI firmware update before it drops.

DJI Osmo 360: The Rival Setting the Pace

GoPro’s not stepping into an empty arena. Our pre-release review of the DJI Osmo 360 shows it’s a beast, ready to challenge the Insta360 X5 with a 1-inch CMOS sensor pumping out 120-megapixel stills and 8K/30fps video.
It’s got HorizonSteady 360 stabilization, gesture controls, and a waterproof design that laughs off splashes—perfect for your next drone-assisted adventure shoot. Priced around $500 USD, based on Australian retail leaks, it’s poised to undercut the Insta360 X5’s $550 price tag, making it a tempting pick for creators who love DJI’s ecosystem, from the Mavic 3 to the Osmo Action 5 Pro.

The Osmo 360’s software, like the DJI Mimo app, makes editing 360-degree footage a breeze, with features like time-lapse and intelligent tracking that sync with your Apple Watch or Garmin. As we noted at DroneXL.co, its 180-minute runtime with a Battery Extension Bar is a game-changer for long shoots. GoPro’s Max 2 will need to bring its A-game to match this, especially since DJI’s already got a head start with a confirmed July 31, 2025, launch date. The Max 2’s prototype leak suggests GoPro’s playing catch-up, but those heatsinks and mounting system hint it’s not messing around.

The 360-Camera Showdown: What’s at Stake?

The 360-degree camera market is buzzing louder than a DJI Mavic 4 Pro at full throttle. TechRadar points out that GoPro’s been stuck in a holding pattern, with the original Max launching in 2019 and only minor tweaks in February 2025. Production delays have kept the Max 2 grounded, but this leak and an earlier GoPro teaser signal a launch is imminent, likely by September 2025. Meanwhile, Insta360’s X5 has set the bar high with dual 1/1.28-inch sensors and replaceable lenses, a feature the Osmo 360 lacks, as we noted in our DroneXL.co review. GoPro’s Max 2 will need to innovate—think interchangeable lenses or a killer app—to stand out.

For DroneXL readers, this is more than a camera spec war. It’s about capturing epic drone footage, from sweeping landscapes to heart-pounding action, with gear that integrates seamlessly with your DJI setup. The Max 2’s Folding Fingers system could make it a versatile companion for drone mounts, but will it match DJI’s stabilization or low-light prowess? The Osmo 360’s 1-inch sensor already promises sharp, vibrant footage in dim conditions, a weak spot for older 360 cameras. GoPro’s got history, but it’s facing a dogfight with DJI and Insta360, and consumers might win with better features and lower prices.

The DroneXL Take: A Market Ready to Soar

For every reader this GoPro Max 2 leak is a wake-up call. The 360-camera space is no longer Insta360’s playground—DJI’s Osmo 360 is charging in, and GoPro’s finally ready to join the party. The prototype’s hefty heatsinks and mounting system suggest GoPro’s aiming for durability and power, but it’ll need to deliver on software and specs to rival the Osmo 360’s 8K glory and 120-minute battery life, as we raved about at DroneXL.co. Whether you’re filming drone-assisted VR content or epic mountain bike descents, this competition means more options for creators.

Stay tuned to DroneXL.co for updates as GoPro’s Max 2 moves from prototype to reality. Will it outshine DJI’s Osmo 360 or Insta360’s X5? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear: your next 360-degree masterpiece is about to get some serious new gear to play with. Got thoughts on the Max 2 vs. Osmo 360 showdown? Drop them in the comments

Photographs courtesy of Reddit and Insta360