Leaked DJI Air 4 Prototype Reveals Design Similarities with Mavic 4

In a significant development for the Setor de drones, a crashed prototype of what appears to be the DJI Air 4 has surfaced, offering the first glimpse of DJI’s next-generation consumer drone. The image, shared by reliable drone industry watcher Jasper Ellens, reveals notable design elements that align with the upcoming DJI Mavic 4.

Design Evolution and Sensor Configuration

The prototype showcases a familiar top cover design housing two distinct sensors and a LED Beacon for night time operations, mirroring the sensor arrangement expected in the forthcoming DJI Mavic 4. This configuration represents a significant departure from the current Air 3S model, suggesting DJI is standardizing its obstacle avoidance approach across product lines.

A notable feature is the redesigned front section, which appears to incorporate an updated LiDAR sensor array. This modification could deliver an expanded field of view, potentially enhancing the drone’s obstacle detection capabilities especially in low-light conditions. The absence of wide-angle sensors on the front corners marks a strategic shift in DJI’s sensing technology approach.

Structural Modifications

The prototype exhibits more robust arm construction compared to its predecessor, the DJI Air 3S. This structural enhancement could indicate DJI’s focus on improved stability and durability, though Jasper points out this may not represent the final production design.

Market Implications

The apparent design convergence between the Air 4 and DJI Mavic 4 series suggests DJI is streamlining its technology implementation across product lines. This approach could potentially optimize manufacturing processes while ensuring consistent performance standards across different price points.

Technical Analysis

While the leaked prototype provides valuable insights into DJI’s design direction, several aspects warrant careful consideration:

• The enhanced LiDAR system could represent a significant advancement in obstacle avoidance technology
• The removal of corner-mounted wide-angle sensors indicates a confident shift in DJI’s sensing strategy
• The reinforced arm design might suggest improved flight stability characteristics

It’s important to note that as a prototype, the final production model may incorporate design refinements and modifications not visible in this early example.

This leak provides compelling evidence of DJI’s commitment to evolving its consumer drone lineup while maintaining technological consistency across different product tiers. The enhanced sensor configuration and structural improvements suggest the Air 4 could offer capabilities previously reserved for higher-end models.

We would expect the DJI Air 4 drone to be released towards the end of 2025 at the earliest.