Drone News Roundup: The Tariffs Are Here, Leaked Photos of the DJI RC Pro 2, and More!
BY Zacc Dukowitz
10 April 2025This week we’re covering the impact of new tariffs on drone prices, and sharing some guidance on what to do if you’re considering buying a drone. (Short answer—if you’ve been thinking about buying a DJI drone, we recommend doing it now before prices go up.)
We’re also covering leaked photos of the DJI RC Pro 2, a beautiful cinematic drone video selected as one of the “top 10 videos” in SkyPixel’s annual contest, the Inspire 3 being selected as the first drone ever for Netflix’s approved camera list, and China’s retaliation against U.S. drone companies in the ongoing trade war.
Now let’s get to those links!
The Tariffs Are Here
The DJI Air 3S
On the fence about buying that new DJI drone? We suggest pulling the trigger. The new U.S.-China tariffs have the potential to reshape the drone industry, with price hikes and supply chain disruptions imminent. And that’s why we recommend acting fast to buy drones or drone accessories before pre-tariff inventory runs out, and the prices for DJI, Autel, and other Chinese drones go way up. We wrote an article on tariffs and how they might impact drone sales a few months back that still has good advice on what to do, and what might happen. Follow the link below to read it if you’re looking for more information on what to expect with these new tariffs.
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Leaked Photos of the DJI RC Pro 2
Well hello, brother! Fly More Combo, Creator Combo (with 512GB and RC Pro 2) and Mavic 4 Pro base kits. The new RC Pro 2 remote looks cool! #dji #Mavic4Pro. pic.twitter.com/eKjfhge3x3
— Igor Bogdanov (@Quadro_News) April 2, 2025
Drone industry insider Igor Bogdanov recently shared leaked photos of DJI’s upcoming RC Pro 2. It looks like the new controller will bring back the integrated screen feature, a major return after DJI shifted to controllers requiring external devices for display in more recent years. The RC Pro 2’s 7″ extendable touchscreen is reminiscent of older Phantom controllers—but with modern upgrades, like brighter displays and better portability. According to leaks, the RC Pro 2 will come with DJI’s O4 video transmission system, an FHD touchscreen with improved brightness for outdoor use, a new processor, customizable buttons, Wi-Fi 6 support, and a mini-HDMI port for external monitors.
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“We Were Meant to Fly”—A Top 10 Video from SkyPixel’s 10th Annual Contest
This drone video made by Daniel Tremsky was recently chosen as a top 10 video winner in SkyPixel’s 10th annual contest. “We Were Meant to Fly” is a cinematic journey that explores the world’s beauty from above, shot entirely on the Mavic 3 Cine. As a landscape cinematographer, Tremsky says that he likes to embrace the challenges of the natural world when shooting, capturing stunning aerial shots regardless of rain, harsh weather, or other circumstances.
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Inspire 3 First Drone Ever Selected for Netflix’s Approved Camera List
Credit: DJI
The DJI Inspire 3 just made history as the first drone ever added to Netflix’s approved cameras list. This means filmmakers can now use it for Netflix productions, provided they adhere to Netflix’s capture requirements. The addition highlights the Inspire 3’s professional-grade capabilities, especially its Zenmuse X9-8K Air camera, which supports ProRes RAW, ensuring high-quality aerial footage for streaming content. Having a drone on the Netflix list is a game-changer for drone cinematography in the entertainment industry—follow the link below to see Netflix’s full list of approved cameras.
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China Fires Back Against U.S. Drone Companies in Ongoing Trade War
Credit: Skydio
China recently added 11 U.S. drone companies, including Skydio, BRINC Drones, and Insitu, to its “Unreliable Entity List.” These companies are now barred from importing/exporting drones with China and from making new investments there. Justifying the decision, China claimed that all 11 companies were cooperating with Taiwan’s military, though there is no evidence of that. This move will disrupt access for these companies to key components like batteries and rare earth materials, threatening U.S. drone production. The retaliation follows recent U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and underscores the growing geopolitical tensions impacting the global tech supply chain.
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