The new feature is coming to the models DJI Neo 2, DJI Neo and DJI FlipThree small drones designed to fly without a controller, using gestures or a mobile phone. Now they're adding another piece to the ecosystem: the Apple Watch, which allows View video signal, check battery, and issue voice commands during the march, something especially interesting for active users in Spain and the rest of Europe who want to record sports, trips or aerial selfies without complications.
Which DJI drones can be controlled from the Apple Watch?
Apple Watch compatibility debuts in version DJI Fly app version 1.19.4 And, for now, it is limited to three very specific models: DJI Neo 2, DJI Neo and DJI FlipThis is no coincidence: these are precisely the drones that already allowed flying without a physical controller, either with a smartphone or through gestures and voice commands.
In these three models, the Apple Watch does not replace the iPhone, but rather acts as DJI Fly application extensionThe phone still maintains the actual connection with the drone, while the watch displays key data and serves as a quick interface to change modes or talk to the device without having to pick up the phone.
For those flying in Europe, the DJI Neo 2 has one point in its favor in terms of regulationsIt weighs less than 250 grams, placing it in category C0, the most permissive under the European framework. This translates to fewer restrictions for recreational use compared to larger drones, always respecting local regulations.
DJI has focused much of its communication on the Neo 2, but support extends to the other two models. However, the experience won't be identical: Neo 2 features more advanced sensors and more powerful processing, allowing you to take greater advantage of that light control from the wrist.
Technical requirements: Apple Watch, iPhone, and firmware
For everything to work, several requirements must be met. Regarding the clock, DJI indicates compatibility with Apple Watch Series 8, Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 3provided they execute watchOS 11 or higherThe company does not include the Apple Watch SE among the supported models.
On mobile, it is recommended to use an iPhone 13 or later with iOS 18 or laterHowever, the important thing is to have DJI Fly version 1.19.4 or later installed. Additionally, the drone must be updated to the corresponding firmware: for the Neo 2, the key update is V01.00.0500which activates control from the watch and adds other stability improvements.
One important point to keep in mind: You cannot link the Apple Watch directly to the droneThe watch connects to the iPhone, and the iPhone acts as a bridge to the Neo, Neo 2, or Flip. If DJI Fly is closed on the phone or that connection is lost, the watch app stops working even if the drone remains in the air.
There are also regional limitations. DJI notes that the feature is not available in areas where the 5,8 GHz band is restricted, like Japan. In the case of Spain and the EU, availability is determined by local spectrum regulations, but the company points to the European market as one of the main recipients of this integration.
How DJI drone control works from the Apple Watch
Once the drone, iPhone, and watch are updated, the usage process is relatively simple. First, you need to Open DJI Fly on your iPhone and connect the drone As always. From there, simply search for the DJI Fly app on your Apple Watch and open it; the watch detects the current session and connects automatically.
A [image/image] appears on the Apple Watch screen live preview from the drone cameraalong with battery information and flight modes. Apple enforces its own power-saving rules, so when you lower your wrist, the watch enters a low-power state and the live view may be temporarily paused. Simply raising your wrist or tapping the screen resumes the video.
The system is designed for situations in which It's not convenient to take out your phone.Imagine cycling, running, hiking, or taking an aerial selfie without having to be in the picture with your iPhone in hand. You can prepare the flight from your phone and, once it's underway, use your watch to see what the drone is recording and adjust the mode without interrupting your activity.
In the case of the Neo 2, integration with Apple Watch also allows Access intelligent flight modes directly from your wristThe watch lists options such as Spotlight, Selfie Shot, Skiing, Follow, Boomerang, or Cycling Follow, and you can switch between them without touching your phone.
Quick mode changes and adjustments from your wrist
One of the practical advantages of the new system is the possibility of modify parameters of the smart modes without stoppingIf, for example, you are using Boomerang mode, you can adjust the distance using the controls on your Apple Watch.
The same applies to modes designed for sports, such as Cycling Follow. The watch allows you to change the distance at which the drone follows, the altitude, or even the direction of trackingFor someone cycling on a track or descending a trail, that means not having to stop, take out their phone, unlock it, and navigate through menus.
The Apple Watch thus becomes a kind of quick on-the-fly settings panelIt's a solution that fits well with the type of user that Neo, Neo 2 and Flip are targeting: people who want to record content spontaneously and with the least amount of equipment possible.
It is worth remembering, however, that There are still tasks that require the iPhone or the remote.Launching the drone from your wrist isn't always possible in all configurations, and for more advanced functions or more delicate flights, it's still recommended to use the full mobile interface or a physical controller.
Voice commands and using the watch as a microphone
The other major pillar of this integration is the Voice control via Apple WatchJust like on a phone, compatible drones can react to spoken commands sent from the wrist, using the watch as the main microphone.
To activate it, you need to grant DJI Fly microphone access permission on your iPhone and then Enable the Voice Control option in the settingsFrom there, simply speak the configured command (for example, “Hey, Fly”) and wait for the watch to display that it is listening. Then select the desired mode, such as “Spotlight,” and the drone will execute the command after a short countdown.
The system's response, according to the tests described, is quite agile: Voice recognition is fast and commands are applied just as if they were done from the iPhone.This is a big help to those who have their hands full, for example holding the handlebars or hiking poles.
In addition, the Apple Watch can be used as remote microphone for recording audio While the drone films from the air, if the app's recording option is activated, the watch captures comments or ambient sound that are then synced with the video—an interesting feature for creators who want to narrate while moving without holding their phone.
Neo 2: the drone that best utilizes the Apple Watch
Although compatibility extends to Neo and Flip, the one that benefits most from this integration is the DJI Neo 2, the latest and most advanced model in the compact rangeIts combination of sensors, internal storage, and low weight makes it especially suitable for semi-autonomous flights controlled from the watch.
The Neo 2 incorporates obstacle sensors in all directions, supported by LiDAR and visionThis allows it to "read" its surroundings in 360 degrees. This significantly reduces the risk of collisions when given commands from the wrist or by voice, as the drone manages safety and avoids obstacles without the user having to monitor every movement.
In terms of image quality, the Neo 2 records 4K video with good stabilization and 12-megapixel photosWith creative modes like ActiveTrack, Dolly Zoom, and SelfieShot that continue to function even when the primary controller is the Apple Watch. The idea is to be able to capture almost "cinematic" clips without needing a dual-joystick remote.
Another improvement that helps to support this philosophy is the increase in internal storage from 22 to 49 GB on the Neo 2. According to DJI figures, that allows you to save around 105 minutes of 4K video at 60 fps or about 175 minutes of 4K video at 30 fps before having to empty the memory on your iPhone or Mac via Wi-Fi.
Firmware and specific new features of the latest update
Firmware update V01.00.0500 of the Neo 2 It's not just about adding Apple Watch compatibility. It also includes small tweaks designed for those who fly without always having their phone in sight.
Among them are the Audible alerts when the battery is low or subject tracking is lostThe drone emits beeps that help you react in time if you are in the middle of an activity and are not looking at your watch or phone at that moment.
In addition, DJI talks about general performance and stability improvements, both in the drone and in the ecosystem of accessories: parallel updates have been published for controllers such as the RC 2 and RC-N3, FPV goggles (Goggles 3, Goggles N3) and motion controllers, in a kind of "update" of the whole.
Ultimately, the company is reinforcing the idea that the Neo 2 is a compact drone but with aspirations of being a "serious" piece of equipment, capable of integrating with different types of controllers depending on the situation: traditional controller, phone, glasses or now also smartwatch (see collaborations between Apple and DJI).
Limitations and aspects to take into account
Despite how appealing it is to control a drone from your wrist, the system has clear limitations that should be knownThe most important point is that the Apple Watch is not a standalone controller: DJI presents it as a second screen and a bridge for voice commands, not as a total replacement for the iPhone.
In certain versions and regions, It is not possible to initiate takeoff directly from the watchThe user must launch the flight from their phone or the drone itself, and once airborne, use the Apple Watch to monitor and adjust the flight. The absence of a full touch joystick is also not accidental: the small screen size and the fact that it's operated with only one hand make fine manual control from the wrist impractical.
The Apple Watch's power management adds another layer of nuance. If the low power modeThe DJI Fly app becomes incompatible with the watch, so you need to disable that option to maintain the connection. The brightness setting and screen-on time also affect the connection, although you can extend the screen-on time to 70 seconds from the display settings to have the live view visible for longer.
Finally, it's worth noting that if the iPhone is overloaded with background apps or has low battery, this can happen some delay in voice commands or jerks in live viewDJI recommends reducing background processes and ensuring that both your mobile phone and watch have sufficient battery power before embarking on a wrist-controlled flight.
Advantages for active users in Spain and Europe
For those who use drones for outdoor activities, this update makes a lot of practical sense. The typical profile is someone who wants record routes while cycling, mountain running, skiing or hiking with a lightweight device and without having to constantly hold your phone in your hand.
In scenarios like this, the Neo 2 can take off from the palm of your hand, enter a tracking mode like Cycling Follow or ActiveTrack, and follow the subject autonomouslyMeanwhile, the user keeps the iPhone stored away and uses the Apple Watch to check battery, change the type of plane, or adjust the distance without changing the pace of the activity.
In the European context, the Neo 2's weight category of under 250g means that make it easier to comply with regulations for recreational flightsEspecially in environments where a larger drone would require more paperwork or greater safety distances. This does not exempt drones from respecting the usual restrictions (not flying near airports, respecting prohibited areas, etc.), but it makes it easier for drones to become... a regular companion on outings and trips.
The result is a slightly different type of use than larger drones: instead of planning a specific flight session, the small Neo 2 becomes one more accessory in the backpack which is used to capture specific moments, with the Apple Watch as an ally to do it quickly and easily.
With these new features, flying a Neo, Neo 2, or Flip using the Apple Watch ceases to be a technological curiosity and becomes a reality. real option For those already immersed in the Apple ecosystem, the watch offers comfort and quick controlThe iPhone maintains the connection and the drone does the hard work with its sensors and intelligent modes; a combination that, without great fanfare, brings drone operation a little closer to the everyday use of any mobile device.
