For two iconic drones, an era is coming to an end. DJI has declared that it would formally discontinue servicing and support for the Phantom 4 Pro and Phantom 4 Advanced models, two of the company’s most recognizable aircraft, on June 1, 2025.
It’s a melancholy occasion for drone enthusiasts who have spent years using these beauties to capture stunning vistas and cinematic pictures. The Phantom 4 Pro and Phantom 4 Advanced, which were released in 2016 and 2017, respectively, raised the standard for consumer drones. These were more than just flying cameras; they were loaded with technology that made them popular with both serious hobbyists and professionals.
With a 20MP 1-inch CMOS sensor, the Phantom 4 Pro offered breathtaking image quality on par with DSLR cameras. Fast-moving subjects might be captured without the irksome rolling shutter distortion because to mechanical shutter technology. It also had five-direction obstacle detection, which made flying safer and smarter than before. The drone felt far ahead of its time when you added 30-minute flying periods and 4K video at 60 frames per second.
For those who desired high-end specs without the slightly higher Pro price tag, the Phantom 4 Advanced provided many of the Pro’s best features in a little lighter package.
In a statement, DJI thanked users for their “long-term interest and support” and explained that products inevitably reach the end of their life cycles as user requirements and technology change. As part of its commitment to “premium product and service experiences,” the firm claims that it frequently reallocates resources to better support emerging goods and technology.
DJI apologizes for any inconvenience caused and states, “As of the date of service suspension, we will no longer provide you with services for these products involving product inquiries, technical support, and product maintenance.” By promising “more recent, improved technologies” and ongoing customer support for their newest fleet of drones, it also enticed existing Phantom 4 Pro and Advanced users to switch to newer models.
Of course, this news does not imply that on June 1, 2025, your beloved Phantom 4 will suddenly disappear from the sky. Even without official DJI tech support, repairs, or maintenance assistance, you will still be able to fly it. Therefore, if you’re still flying with a Phantom 4 Pro or Advanced, it might be time to start researching more recent models, such as the Air 3S, the Mavic 3 Pro, or even the next-generation versions that are supposedly due out soon.
Even while DJI is prepared to formally move on, the Phantom 4 series’ impact will endure since it helped define what consumer drones might accomplish. As we prepare for the next phase of drone innovation, it’s time to give a nod to an old buddy!