The idea of launching and controlling a drone directly from a smartwatch sounds like novelty on paper, but DJI’s latest update for the Neo 2 shows there is practical value behind it. With a new firmware release, the company has expanded Apple Watch integration from basic controls to something closer to a full remote, including a live video feed on the wrist. For users who prefer minimal gear or already operate in motion, the change meaningfully alters how the Neo 2 can be used day to day.
Firmware version 01.00.0500, paired with DJI Fly app version 1.19.4, enables compatible Apple Watch models to handle takeoff, landing, flight mode changes, and photo or video capture without a phone or dedicated controller in hand. Supported watches include Apple Watch Series 8, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and newer models. The live camera feed is the most notable addition, allowing pilots to see exactly what the drone sees while moving, whether they are running, cycling, or hiking. This reduces friction for casual shooting and makes spontaneous use more realistic, rather than something that requires stopping to unpack equipment.
Voice control also receives an expansion with this update. After enabling microphone access, users can issue spoken flight commands or use the watch as a remote microphone to capture narration or ambient audio directly alongside video. While this will not replace dedicated audio gear for serious production, it offers a practical option for hands-free commentary, particularly for vlog-style content or outdoor activity footage where simplicity matters more than pristine sound quality.
There are limitations. The live video feed can be interrupted by Apple Watch’s raise-to-wake and power-saving behaviors, meaning that lowering the wrist may pause or disrupt the display. This is consistent with how the watch manages battery life, but it does require some adjustment and awareness while flying. It also reinforces that wrist-based control is best suited for short, controlled shots rather than extended, complex flights.
The Neo 2 itself is positioned as an ultra-light, everyday drone rather than a professional tool. Weighing 151 grams, it avoids many regulatory hurdles and is easy to carry without planning around it. Its 1/2-inch 12-megapixel sensor supports 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, 4K slow motion at 100 frames per second, and 2.7K vertical video, with a claimed flight time of up to 19 minutes. Pricing starts at 1,499 yuan, roughly US$212 or ₹19,195, placing it firmly in the accessible end of DJI’s lineup.
This update does not transform the Neo 2 into a different class of drone, but it does refine its identity. By extending meaningful control to the Apple Watch, DJI is leaning into the idea of lightweight, wearable-adjacent aerial capture. For runners seeking follow shots, cyclists recording POV footage, or users who want aerial video without managing multiple devices, the Neo 2 now fits more naturally into that workflow. It is a small but deliberate step toward making drones feel less like equipment and more like tools that integrate into everyday movement.
