We have been covering this news since August 2025, and now we have another interesting update to share with you. Insta360 developers were testing two different types of drones before the Antigravity A1 announcement. The first one was the Antigravity A1, but the second one is the one that we shared pictures of with you back on August 19, 2025, and even before that, multiple times. It looks very similar to the DJI Neo drone. Still, recently we have seen a patent of Insta360 with this specific drone that we had seen back in August 2025, featuring a foldable design, so anyone can easily carry the drone when he or she is traveling.
And the patent is really very new, so it looks like Insta360 wants to create a one-to-one solution for the DJI Fold as well as the DJI Neo series drones. It does not necessarily mean the little drone is intentionally designed for capturing the 360° world only, just like the Antigravity A1. We can have a kind of hybrid mini drone, or maybe a direct competitor to the DJI Neo.
In the middle of all this, there is also a very strong possibility of a mini 360 drone, a kind of budget version of what we have in the Antigravity A1, limited to 4K and being within the reach of a wider consumer base due to its compact design, portable size, as well as affordability.
Including the official CN223865117U patent and prototype images – confirm this is shaping up to be a true compact foldable competitor to the DJI Neo / Neo 2.
The Leaked Prototype Image
Compact black drone with clear Insta360 branding, foldable arms, ringed propeller guards, and protective design. The shoe provides excellent scale showing how portable it is.
This prototype was spotted during wild testing alongside the Antigravity A1.
In-Depth Comparison: Insta360 Antigravity Second Model vs DJI Neo Series
| Feature | Insta360 Antigravity Second Model | DJI Neo / Neo 2 Series |
| Design | Foldable arms, black body, ringed props + clearance spaces | Foldable arms, enclosed props |
| Weight | Estimated 150-250g (based on leaks) | ~135g (ultra-light) |
| Camera | Highly likely 360° integration (Insta360 core strength) | 4K single camera |
| Folding Mechanism | Patent-backed nesting system for ultra-compact storage | Standard folding |
| Key Advantage | Better component protection + 360 reframing potential | Excellent beginner-friendly controls |
| Target Audience | Content creators, vloggers, outdoor enthusiasts | Beginners & casual users |
Now take a look at the images and the details that we have found in the recent patterns of the Insta360 unannounced, mysterious drone
Insta360 Drone Patent CN223865117U: Technical Confirmation
This utility model patent, filed by 影石创新 (Insta360), directly supports the prototype design:
- Two structural members (arms) that move relative to each other via a shaft.
- Clearance spaces allowing parts to nest inside each other in folded mode.
- Goals: Significant size reduction for storage/transport, protection of propellers and arms, and overall miniaturization.
- Includes locking mechanisms for safe transition between folded and flight modes.
This is not just any foldable drone — it is engineered for practicality and durability, exactly what a real-world Neo competitor needs.
Why This is Significant
Insta360 is not restricting itself to gimbals or pocket cameras. Neither are they putting all their attention into only and specifically making 360 products. They are expanding, and expanding in a very beautiful manner. They have just covered the pocket gimbal camera market.
With the Antigravity A1 already delivering 8K 360° aerial footage, this second model targets the high-volume entry-level compact drone segment dominated by DJI’s Neo series.
Expect features such as:
- Insta360’s class-leading 360 stitching and reframing
- FlowState stabilization
- Palm takeoff and intuitive controls
- Excellent portability for creators on the go
Insta360 Upcoming drone: Arrival Date / Launch Timeline
Likely Q4 2026 or Q1 of 2027, positioned as a more affordable companion to the flagship A1 to avoid sales overlap.
Insta360 was very busy with their pocket gimbal camera announcement just after the Antigravity A1 drone. Now they are busy, as we all know, and we have covered that also, with the Insta360 X6 camera announcement, one of their flagship 360 cameras, and after that, they have the scheduled Insta360 Pro 3 announcement before the 2026 wrap-up. So, the compact mysterious Neo competitor’s expected arrival timeline lies somewhere between Q4 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.
What are your expectations?
Will you prefer this Insta360 Neo-style drone over the DJI Neo 2 for its potential 360 features? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
We will continue tracking this project and update with any new leaks, official specs, India pricing, or availability details.
The article “Insta360 True DJI Neo 2 Competitor Emerges: Foldable Drone Prototype Patent Details Surface” was written by thenewcamera.com team on 9:38 am, Saturday, 11 July 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)| You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media Handles FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM > get live news — > DJI Rumors
Insta360 X6 Coming Before September 2026
Xtra Muse 2 Pro Delayed to Q3 2026
