So it’s time for a new drone; possibly Insta360 is preparing for a compact drone announcement to give us a perfect alternative to NEO 2?, As we all know, due to recent events, possibly sarting from September to the 1st half of 2027, the United States of America will wipe out all available LiDAR-based drones from the market, which also includes the recently announced DJI Neo 2. We have already posted a detailed article on the list of drones that are about to be banned very soon after this September.
Here is a catch: recently, a new image surfaced on the web from Reddit. A post titled “Current state of 360 and action cameras” with a description in the image: “Insta360 next drone, foldable under 250g have ” and are now circulating widely. The images show a white compact flying camera with a continuous lattice protective cage sitting on a retail shelf next to dual-lens 360 cameras. While the unit has sparked speculation that it could be linked to Insta360’s rumoured second drone, a closer look at the evidence is required.
The Photos Raise Questions, Not Confirmation
The clearest versions of the images reveal a white continuous lattice-style cage wrapping around a black central camera module.
By clearing up the image, we are able to notice two different sets of camera modules.
The form factor is low and wide when the cage is open. It is placed directly beside white dual-lens 360 cameras, which has fueled the Insta360 connection in community discussions.
However, this continuous full-cage design currently matches the already-released HoverAir X1 more closely than any publicly available Insta360 prototype imagery.
What We Actually Know About Insta360’s Second Drone
Insta360 is developing more than one flying camera platform:
- The Antigravity A1 (launched under the incubated Antigravity brand) focuses on 8K 360 immersive capture with dual top-and-bottom lenses.
- A separate compact Neo-style project has been in development since at least mid-2025.
In July 2026 we covered Chinese utility model CN223865117U. That patent describes a highly foldable sub-250g drone with arms that fully retract into the body and individual ring-shaped propeller guards. Early prototype photos from August 2025 (first reported on thenewcamera.com) showed black units with ring guards being tested alongside Antigravity development mules.
None of the confirmed patent drawings or 2025 prototype images shows the continuous white lattice cage visible in the new photos.
Sub-250 g is a big market, specifically in the USA
DJI has created a very large market in the United States of America, specifically in the sub-250 g drone category, and now it has been left empty. No updates are coming. DJI has been banned, and the roles will become vacant and will get swiped out of the market.
This is really a very huge opportunity for any drone maker. Those who can increase the number of options available to consumers and make an attractive drone will finally have a new series.
Strategic Context
Btw, the good news is Insta360 already dominates consumer 360 cameras. These images are interesting and worth watching, but they do not yet constitute confirmed evidence of an Insta360 prototype.
The continuous cage design aligns more strongly with existing products on the market. Until higher-resolution images, official confirmation, or updated patent filings appear, the safer reading is that this remains speculative.
We will continue monitoring for clearer photos, additional patent activity, and any official statements. The compact Neo-class segment is heating up, and Insta360’s next move in this space will be significant whenever it arrives.
Stay tuned for updates.
The article “Insta360 Compact Drone Rumours Heat Up: New Cage-Style Images Surface” was written by thenewcamera.com team on 7:50 pm, Tuesday, 25 August 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 News
Insta360 True DJI Neo 2 Competitor Emerges: Foldable Drone Prototype Patent Details Surface
