Apple Watch Dials In A New Way to Fly

Wearables are inching closer to becoming primary control surfaces for everyday tech. DJI is pushing that boundary with a firmware update that lets the Neo 2 be steered, tracked, and recorded from the Apple Watch. This is more than a gimmick; it signals a shift in how consumers will interact with drones on the go. The update, version v01.00.0500, unlocks full Apple Watch remote control capability for the Neo 2, expanding what the wrist device can do beyond fitness tracking or message alerts. For a device designed to be compact, this integration could redefine how easy it is to capture sports and travel footage without pulling out a phone or controller.

Details matter here. The Neo 2 now supports Apple Watch models Series 8, 9, 10, 11, Ultra 2 and Ultra 3, provided you’re running watchOS 11 or newer, and you’ll need the updated DJI Fly app (v1.19.4). DJI describes the feature as especially useful during sports where grabbing a phone or traditional controller is impractical—think cycling, running, or hiking where rapid reorientation or shot adjustments matter. In plain terms, the apple watch remote turns wrist action into drone control without fumbling with gear.

Beyond basic steering, the integration delivers live camera view on the watch with Wrist Logic. Importantly, Apple’s power-saving rules apply: if you lower your wrist and the watch screen refresh rate drops, Live View pauses briefly; a quick raise or tap resumes the feed. You can also lock your iPhone, switch apps, or stash the phone in your pocket while DJI Fly stays active in the background. DJI highlights that the watch connection holds as long as the app remains active, so force-quitting the app severs the link. This is a notable convenience for anyone who prefers a minimalist flight setup.

From a user experience perspective, the apple watch remote feature demonstrates a deliberate move to make consumer drones more approachable. It lowers the barrier to entry for first-time buyers who already own an iPhone and an Apple Watch, and it adds a new layer of situational utility for athletes and travelers. As DJI emphasizes, the feature shines when the operator wants quick, hands-free interaction during movement.

According to 9to5 Mac, the firmware also expands the Neo 2 ecosystem with other notable quality-of-life upgrades, and DJI indicates that the original Neo will receive the same Apple Watch compatibility in a future update. This pattern—rolling in wearables support across a lineup—points to a broader strategy: make wearable-first control a standard option rather than a novelty, tying drone performance more tightly to everyday devices. For readers, this means a drone that is not just smarter, but simpler to use on the move.

Why this matters for consumers

Wearables meet drones

The apple watch remote capability exemplifies a broader trend: wearables are becoming primary command centers for diverse devices. In practical terms, you can track and command a camera drone while your hands are occupied with outdoor activities. This is not just convenience; it reshapes how content creators, athletes, and travelers capture footage in dynamic environments. The Neo 2’s embrace of watch-based control shows how a compact, low-friction interface can unlock new workflows for swooping action shots and precision tracking.

Industry implications

Competitive and regulatory context

As DJI debuts the apple watch remote across its Neo family, other manufacturers may follow suit to preserve parity between wearables and drones. The trend could pressure competitors to deliver similar watch-based controls or to pursue deeper integrations with mobile ecosystems. At the policy level, regulators may begin to scrutinize new control modalities in terms of safety and interference, particularly if wrist-based inputs become more prevalent in congested urban airspaces. For operators, the development reinforces the importance of testing in rocky environments where wrist-based cues might be less reliable than a traditional controller.

What’s next

Looking ahead for DJI and the market

DJI’s broader ecosystem refresh—spanning RC-N3 controllers, Goggles 3, and other flight systems—suggests that wearable-first control could become a recurring theme in the company’s roadmap. The Neo 2’s Apple Watch remote capability is a clear signal to consumers: your wrist could soon be the primary cockpit for many drones. For industrial buyers and enthusiasts, this means more versatile, field-ready workflows and a lower barrier to entry for aerial capture. As wearables become more capable and reliable in outdoor conditions, we can expect more seamless interactions between the watch and next-generation drones.

Reader-facing takeaway

For people who want to travel light yet stay in control, this update is a reminder that your wrist can be your drone controller. If you’re an outdoor creator who wants to document fast-moving action without fumbling with gear, the apple watch remote could become a staple feature in your kit.

FAQ

• Q: Will the original Neo get Apple Watch remote support?
  A: DJI says the Neo originally will receive the same feature in a future update, expanding accessibility across the lineup.
• Q: What devices are compatible with the apple watch remote?
  A: Apple Watch Series 8–11 and Ultra models, running watchOS 11 or later, with the updated DJI Fly app.

Conclusion

DJI’s move to add apple watch remote control support to the Neo 2 signals a clear shift toward wearable-first control in consumer drones. It blends convenience with practical utility, expanding the way enthusiasts and professionals alike interact with aerial footage on the go. As wearables become more capable, expect similar integrations to proliferate, pushing the entire drone market toward tighter, more intuitive, and more portable experiences. The inevitable question for competitors will be how quickly they can deliver comparable reliability and ease of use without compromising safety or battery life.