Insta360’s Antigravity Is Moving Into the US Drone Space DJI Left

Insta360 is moving into the American space DJI left. The Chinese camera maker opened its first US flagship store in Times Square in September, says the US now brings in 30% to 40% of its revenue, and its drone brand Antigravity got the A1 360-degree drone through the FCC just before new foreign drones were shut out. Rest of World reported the details on 9 October 2026, quoting co-founder Max Richter and Antigravity CEO Michael Shabun.

With DJI blocked from new FCC authorizations, the US consumer drone market is no longer a one-brand market. This is who is taking a share of it, and what each one can and cannot sell.

Quick answer

What Insta360 is doing in the US

According to Rest of World, Insta360 opened a flagship store in Times Square in September, two years after DJI opened its Fifth Avenue store a short walk away. Richter told the outlet the US accounts for 30% to 40% of company revenue. The push comes in a weak year for profits: Insta360’s net profit fell 94% in the first half of 2026 compared with a year earlier.

An FCC spokesperson told Rest of World that Insta360 products were not added to the Covered List, so the company can still register new cameras. Drones are different: new foreign-made drones need FCC approval that is no longer being granted, except through waivers for makers that move production to the US. Shabun said Antigravity plans to move manufacturing from Asia to the US “in the coming years”. Antigravity also says it stores all US user data locally.

The company’s scale is the reason to take it seriously. Rest of World cites figures putting DJI at 73% of global handheld smart-camera shipments and Insta360 at 20%. No other consumer brand is that close to DJI in a related category.

The Antigravity A1: the drone that made it in

The A1 is a 249 g drone with two 360-degree cameras, sold with goggles and a one-hand motion controller. It launched in December 2025 from $1,599 and received FCC approval just before the foreign-drone rule took effect, so it can be sold in the US. Rest of World notes it is built so it cannot carry more than 50 g of extra weight.

Its main rival arrived in March: the DJI Avata 360, which had cleared the FCC in November 2025. DroneXL reported that during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale the A1 Standard Bundle dropped from $1,599 to $1,279 and the Infinity Bundle from $1,999 to $1,599, and tied the cuts directly to the Avata 360. We compare both in our DJI Avata 360 review.

The other brands taking a share

HoverAir. Zero Zero Robotics’ small self-flying camera drones are still the closest match for many DJI Neo buyers. The X1 Pro remains on sale, but the newer VERSA lost its US authorization; see why the FCC set aside the HoverAir VERSA approval and what HoverAir showed at IFA.

Potensic. The Atom 3 was one of the cheapest Mini-class alternatives, but it has been listed as unavailable on Potensic’s US store since late August. Our Atom 3 review tracks its status.

Skyrover and other DJI-linked brands. Several lesser-known brands selling DJI-made hardware have been caught by the same rules; we covered the Skyrover S1 case.

Skydio. The biggest US drone maker is growing fast, but in defence and public safety, not hobby drones. This week it released ISR Command, which lets one soldier fly two X10D drones.

For the full list of what is and is not allowed, see which drones are banned in the US in 2026.

What it means for buyers

• If you want a 360-degree drone, the US choice is now the Antigravity A1 or the DJI Avata 360, both of which were authorized before the cut-off.
• For small follow-me camera drones, HoverAir’s X1 line is still sold; check that a listing is the X1 Pro or X1 ProMax, not the VERSA.
• Watch prices. Rest of World’s report shows Insta360 is investing heavily in the US while its profit has fallen, which usually means aggressive deals.

What is still unknown

• When, or whether, Antigravity will build drones in the US.
• Whether an A1 successor can get FCC approval under the new rules.
• Whether the Times Square store will stock the A1, which Rest of World says is planned.

Frequently asked questions

Is Insta360 banned in the US?

No. An FCC spokesperson told Rest of World in October 2026 that Insta360 products were not added to the Covered List. New foreign drones still need FCC approval, which the A1 received before the rule took effect.

Can I buy the Antigravity A1 in the US?

Yes. It is sold through Best Buy, Amazon and Antigravity’s own store.

How much is the Antigravity A1?

It launched from $1,599. During Amazon’s Big Spring Sale in March 2026, DroneXL reported the Standard Bundle at $1,279 and the Infinity Bundle at $1,599.

How much of Insta360’s revenue comes from the US?

Co-founder Max Richter told Rest of World the US makes up 30% to 40% of revenue.

What is the best drone brand after DJI?

For consumer camera drones in the US, Insta360’s Antigravity is the largest brand still able to sell new models. Skydio is the largest American maker, but sells only to enterprise, public safety and defence customers.

Product links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, Drone Ranker may earn a commission at no cost to you. We compare drones from manufacturer specifications and filings, not hands-on flight tests.

Sources

• Rest of World: Insta360 moves into the US as DJI faces sanctions (9 October 2026)
• DroneXL: Antigravity A1 price drop (31 March 2026)
• DroneXL: DJI Avata 360 pricing vs Antigravity A1 (15 March 2026)