DJI Mini 5 Pro and Air 3S Gain Obstacle-Sensing and Video Upgrades

DJI has rolled out new firmware for its Mini 5 Pro and Air 3S drones, delivering improved obstacle sensing and video capabilities. The updates, which also extend to the Mavic 4 Pro and several legacy models, focus on fixing known issues rather than introducing new features.

DJI Mini 5 Pro received aircraft firmware v01.00.0800. Controllers were also updated, with the DJI RC Pro 2 moving to v10.00.0700, the DJI RC 2 to v10.00.0800, the DJI RC-N3 to v01.00.0400, and the DJI RC-N2 to v01.00.0300. DJI said "the firmware update will reset camera settings." Owners need DJI Fly v1.21.12 or later to access the updated features.

Air 3S firmware and video upgrades

The DJI Air 3S received its own significant update with aircraft firmware v01.00.1800. Its dual-camera system, featuring a 50MP wide-angle and a 48MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, gains new video modes. The update adds support for 4K/60fps HDR video and 4K/120fps recording, alongside Free Panorama functionality.

Forward-facing LiDAR on the Air 3S has been improved for better obstacle detection at night. The model's Smart Return to Home features have also been enhanced for safer navigation. Controller updates for the Air 3S include the DJI RC-N2 moving to v01.04.0200 and the DJI RC-N3 to v01.00.0600. The DJI RC Pro 2 was also updated to v10.00.0900 for this model.

Mavic 4 Pro and broader firmware context

DJI's flagship Mavic 4 Pro received aircraft firmware v01.00.0900. The drone, known for its 100MP Hasselblad main camera with a Four Thirds-type sensor and 360-degree Infinity Gimbal, can record 6K/60fps HDR video. It also offers true vertical shooting across all three of its cameras. The DJI RC Pro 2 controller for the Mavic 4 Pro was updated to v01.00.0900.

This firmware cycle included updates for older drones like the Mavic Air 2, Air 2S, Mini 2, and Mini 3 Pro. DJI stated that for all models, "known issues have been fixed." The company recommends using the latest DJI Fly app version during installation. If an update fails, restarting the aircraft, controller, and app or using DJI Assistant 2 is advised.

Mini 3 Pro update history and FCC waiver

The Mini 3 Pro's recent firmware history illustrates DJI's maintenance pattern. The drone received aircraft firmware v01.00.1000 on October 20, 2026, alongside DJI Fly v1.21.16. This was its 13th update since launching in May 2022. The last feature-added release was on April 25, 2023, which added support for DJI Goggles 2, Goggles Integra and RC Motion 2. Every update since September 2023 has focused on fixes, with the October 2026 notes stating only that known issues were addressed.

Controller firmware was also revised, with the DJI RC Pro moving to v03.02.0900 and the DJI RC to v01.03.2600. The RC-N1 controller's firmware remains at a version listed in November 2023. This update disparity means an owner with a kit containing both controllers will see an update for the DJI RC but not for the RC-N1.

Ongoing support for the Mini 3 Pro in the United States is influenced by an FCC waiver. Public Notice DA 26-454, released May 8, 2026, allows foreign-made drones authorized before December 22, 2025, to keep receiving software updates until at least January 1, 2029. The waiver limits updates to those mitigating harm to consumers. This makes a used Mini 3 Pro a viable purchase for US pilots, as DJI continues to maintain it nearly four and a half years after launch, albeit solely with bug fixes. The newer Mini 5 Pro does not yet have a page on DJI's US download center.

Pilots should update via DJI Fly v1.21.12 or later to access the new obstacle-sensing and video features.