If you’ve been flying DJI gear for years, this spring brings a bittersweet milestone: two iconic devices that helped define modern consumer drones and compact cameras are officially heading into retirement. DJI has announced that support services for the original DJI Mavic Mini will end on April 1, 2026, and for the DJI Osmo Pocket on February 5, 2026 — meaning no more product inquiries, technical support, or repairs after those dates.
In its service suspension notice, DJI explains that “electronic products are affected by technological developments and changes in usage requirements,” so eventually every generation reaches its “fixed life cycle.” The company encourages owners of affected models to upgrade to newer hardware to continue enjoying premium experiences backed by official customer service.
Why the DJI Mavic Mini drone was such a big deal
When DJI launched the original Mavic Mini in late 2019, it wasn’t just one more compact drone; it created and popularized the sub-250-gram consumer drone category. Weighing in at 249g, the Mini sat just below the US Federal Aviation Administration’s 250-gram registration threshold, a regulatory line that lets recreational pilots fly without adding registration hassles. That made drone flying far easier and more inviting for hobbyists and travelers alike.
In practical terms, that meant you could unfold a high-quality aerial camera that fit in a backpack and take it flying without dealing with FAA registration or expensive gear — a huge advantage compared with heavier drones that required paperwork. While rules still require pilots to follow safety practices like keeping line of sight and flying below 400 feet, the Mini’s lightweight design lowered the barrier to entry for countless new flyers.
Its influence didn’t stop there. Thanks to the Mini’s success, DJI never abandoned the sub-250g segment. It continued refining the formula with successors like the Mini 2, Mini 2 SE, Mini 4K, Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro, Mini 4 Pro, Mini 5 Pro, and now the new Neo 2 and DJI Flip — all designed around a blend of portability, regulatory ease, and powerful imaging. The category has become the default choice for travelers and casual creators who want pro-feeling video without hefty weight or complexity.
The Osmo Pocket’s compact camera legacy
While the Mavic Mini democratized easy aerial footage, the DJI Osmo Pocket did something similar for handheld video. Released in early 2019 and discontinued in early 2021, the tiny gimbal camera packed a stabilized 4K sensor into a device you could slip into a pocket. That made it a favorite for vloggers, travelers, and anyone who wanted cinematic footage without lugging a larger rig.
Now, with service support ending on February 5, 2026, owners of this beloved camera should likewise consider an upgrade if they want ongoing support and easier servicing.
Smart upgrade paths, and why now is a great time
Here’s how users of these retired gems can upgrade to newer gear, with fantastic deals, too.
If you loved the Mini’s lightweight vibe but want modern features, DJI’s latest Mini drones deliver huge leaps in capability:
- DJI Mini 3 (budget-friendly choice): A great entry to modern aerial imaging with 4K video, vertical shooting, HDR support, and solid flight time, all in a compact frame that still prioritizes easy flying. And right now, you can grab 20% off all Mini 3 drone bundles.
- DJI Mini 4 Pro (balanced performer): Adds omnidirectional obstacle sensing, stronger AI flight modes like ActiveTrack, and excellent 4K/60 fps capture, which is ideal for content creators who want powerful performance without sacrificing portability. What’s more, you can save $90 on the Mini 4 Pro with DJI RC.
- DJI Mini 5 Pro (flagship lite): The latest in lightweight drone tech with enhanced imaging, advanced sensors, and powerful flight systems, the Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2 is 30% off right now. Do note though that this drone comes with a weight tolerance of ±4g, meaning some units could tip the scales over 250 grams.
Related: Does DJI Mini 5 Pro drone actually weigh under 250 grams?
For videographers who grew up on the original Pocket, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a compelling next step. It’s widely praised for:
- A larger sensor that boosts low-light performance
- 4K video up to high frame rates for slow-motion capture
- A rotatable touchscreen that makes framing easier
- Superior stabilization and tracking compared with the first Pocket
Right now, third-party resellers are offering more than 30% off on the Pocket 3, making this a strong time to upgrade before support for the original model ends next month.
Technology marches on, and though it’s bittersweet to see iconic products like the original Mavic Mini and Osmo Pocket reach end-of-support, their retirements mark a chance to level up your creative toolkit. Whether you’re shooting dramatic drone footage or cinematic vlogs, the newer DJI gear delivers features that make those upgrades feel worthwhile, and with deals available now, there’s no better moment to act.
More: Winter flying tips every DJI drone pilot should know
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