The consequences to the recent DJI ban of DJI drones in the U.S. are still developing and becoming clear. Last week, on January 21st 2026, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission released Public Notice DA-26-69, a decision that directly affects DJI drone owners in the United States. If you fly popular models such as the Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S, Mavic 4 Pro, or professional platforms like the Mavic 3 Enterprise and DJI Matrice series, this notice determines whether your drone can continue receiving critical firmware and software updates in the future.
Drone rules & regulations in the U.S. are evolving fast these days so it’s really important to keep an eye on any new developments such as this recent public notice. Especially if you own a newer drone, such as Mavic 4 Pro, it’s a good idea to stay informed.
What Is Public Notice DA-26-69 & How Does It Affect DJI Drones
At the end of 2025, the FCC expanded its Covered List to include foreign manufactured unmanned aircraft systems and critical components. Because DJI drones are produced outside the United States, this change immediately placed DJI under stricter regulatory scrutiny. Normally, equipment placed on the Covered List can lose access to permissive changes, which include firmware updates, wireless software revisions, and security patches. Without intervention, this could have left many already approved DJI drones stuck with outdated software, despite remaining legal to fly.
Public Notice DA-26-69 was introduced to prevent that outcome. It allows DJI drones that already held FCC authorization before December 22 2025 to continue receiving firmware and software updates in the United States. This applies to a wide range of DJI models that are commonly used today, including the Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S, Mavic 4 Pro, the full Mavic 3 lineup, as well as enterprise drones such as the Mavic 3 Enterprise and DJI Matrice platforms.
As of December last year, any future DJI product will not be allowed onto the U.S. market unless regulations change.
Why This Matters For Existing DJI Drone Owners
For any drone owner, firmware updates are essential. They are not just about adding new features, but about maintaining flight stability, navigation accuracy, obstacle avoidance performance, and transmission reliability. Updates also ensure compatibility with new mobile operating systems and security standards.
Under DA-26-69, owners of DJI drones that were already FCC authorized can continue receiving these updates through at least January 1, 2027. That provides short term certainty for anyone using a drone such as photographers and videographers who rely on DJI hardware for daily work.
Firmware update don’t just bring new features and functionality (like the C1 landing button in this photo), but they also improve reliability and performance.
What Isn’t Changing
While this public notice provides important relief, it does not reverse the regulatory direction. The notice does not approve new DJI drone models for the US market, nor does it guarantee that firmware updates will remain allowed beyond 2027. DJI remains listed on the FCC Covered List, and future models will still need separate authorization or exemptions. In practical terms, this means existing DJI drones are protected for now, but future DJI releases could face significant hurdles in the United States.
It is really unfortunate that people in the U.S. will not have access to newer drone releases from now on and this public notice does not change that.
Looking Ahead
If you currently own a DJI Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S, Mavic 4 Pro, or any other FCC authorized drone in the US, you can continue flying in the near term. Firmware updates and software support should remain available throughout 2026. At the same time, 2026 is likely to be a pivotal year for US drone regulation. If you are the owner of a DJI drone, you should therefore pay close attention to FCC decisions, especially if you are considering investing in new DJI hardware or planning long term professional use. For anyone relying on DJI drones for aerial photography, video production, or commercial operations, this notice is one of the most important regulatory developments since the developments last year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a handy section that summarises all the most frequently asked questions in regards to this new notice by the FCC.
Can DJI Drones Still Receive Firmware Updates In The United States?
Yes. Under FCC Public Notice DA-26-69, DJI drones that already had FCC authorization before December 22, 2025 can continue to receive firmware and software updates in the United States. This includes popular models such as the DJI Mini 5 Pro, DJI Air 3S, DJI Mavic 4 Pro, the Mavic 3 series, and DJI enterprise drones.
Which DJI Drone Models Are Covered By DA-26-69?
The notice applies to DJI drones that were already authorized by the FCC before the Covered List expansion in December 2025. This includes consumer drones like the Mini 5 Pro and Air 3S, flagship models such as the Mavic 4 Pro, as well as professional and enterprise platforms including the Mavic 3 Enterprise and DJI Matrice series.
Does DA-26-69 Mean New DJI Drones Are Approved For Sale In The US?
No. DA-26-69 does not approve new DJI drone models for the US market. It only allows firmware and software updates for DJI drones that were already authorized. Future DJI models will still require separate FCC authorization or exemptions to be legally sold and supported in the United States.
How Long Will DJI Firmware Updates Remain Allowed Under This Notice?
The waiver outlined in DA-26-69 currently runs through January 1, 2027. After that date, the FCC may reassess whether firmware updates for covered DJI drones will continue under the same conditions or require a new regulatory framework.
Why Are Firmware Updates Important For DJI Drones?
Firmware updates are critical for maintaining flight safety, navigation accuracy, obstacle avoidance systems, and transmission reliability. They also ensure continued compatibility with newer mobile devices and operating systems.
Should DJI Drone Owners Be Concerned About Flying In The US Right Now?
If you own an FCC authorized DJI drone such as the Mini 5 Pro, Air 3S, or Mavic 4 Pro, there is no immediate reason for concern. You can continue flying and updating your drone as normal through 2026. However, drone owners should stay informed, as US drone regulations are still evolving and may affect future models or long term support.
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