Court filing highlights FCC restrictions as new products debut without U.S. availability
Drone giant DJI has introduced new consumer drones, including the Lito X1 and Lito 1, aimed at entry-level users. Early coverage suggests strong appeal for new pilots. However, U.S. consumers will not see these models on store shelves.
The absence is not due to a delayed rollout. It reflects ongoing regulatory restrictions tied to the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List decision issued in December 2025.
Filing Points to Immediate Limits on New Products
In an April 15 filing with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, DJI states that the FCC’s action “banned all new products… from being marketed in or imported into the United States.” The company argues that the restriction took effect the same day it was issued. (Credit is due to DroneXL: read more there, where author Haye Kesteloo has covered the story extensively.)
The filing describes the impact as both immediate and ongoing. DJI estimates it could lose more than $1.5 billion in 2026 due to the inability to sell new products in the U.S. market.
The case is part of DJI’s broader legal challenge to the FCC’s decision to add certain equipment to the Covered List under the Secure Networks Act and subsequent legislation.
Existing Models Remain Available
For now, U.S. consumers can still purchase many existing DJI products. These include drones that received prior equipment authorization before the December 2025 action.
However, the filing notes that some authorizations have already been set aside. This creates a distinction between legacy products and future releases. While current inventory remains available, newly launched models are not entering the U.S. market.
New Lito Models Launch Without U.S. Access
The newly announced Lito drones illustrate that gap. The models target beginner users and expand DJI’s consumer lineup. Reviews from international outlets have been positive.
PetaPixel says the drones “look great for beginners outside the US.” The publication highlights their accessibility and design, positioning them as entry-level options in DJI’s portfolio. Engadget calls them “ideal.” The Verge says they’re “worth an upgrade.”
Despite that reception, the drones are not available for purchase in the United States.
The limitations are not confined to aircraft. Other DJI products are also affected.
PC Mag says the “DJI ban ‘just got real’” with the Osmo Pocket 4 unavailable in the U.S. Osmo Pocket 4 is a handheld camera used by content creators.
This suggests the impact reaches beyond drones into tools used for photography, video production, and media workflows.
Effects on Commercial and Public Safety Users
DJI’s filing states that its products are widely used by public safety agencies, utilities, and businesses. These groups often rely on drones for inspection, emergency response, and operational planning. While existing equipment remains in use, the inability to purchase new models may affect access to updated features and improvements over time.
The availability of future DJI products in the U.S. will depend on the outcome of regulatory and legal processes now underway. DJI has asked the court to review the FCC’s decision, while also seeking reconsideration from the agency. The Pentagon, however, has already issued a statement in opposition of any reversal.
In the meantime, the current situation creates a split market. DJI continues to release new products globally, but those releases do not extend to U.S. consumers.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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