With its latest software update, DJI has taken another step in integrating its drones with the Apple ecosystem. The DJI Neo 2 can now be controlled directly from the wrist using a Apple Watchwithout needing to hold the iPhone in your hand or unfold the remote control on each flight.
The new feature turns the watch into a Alternative remote control for takeoff, subject tracking, video recording, and live viewThe proposal fits particularly well with the use that many users in Spain and other European countries give to these drones: recording bike routes, running sessions, mountain walks or weekend getaways quickly and without too many complications.
Required update: Neo 2 firmware and DJI Fly app
To control the drone from the watch, DJI requires a specific configuration. This is essential. Install firmware v01.00.0500 on the DJI Neo 2, a version that unlocks remote mode via Apple Watch and is distributed as a standard update within the brand's own ecosystem.
In parallel, the iPhone It has to take into account the DJI Fly app updated to version 1.19.4Only from this build number onwards is the app able to manage communication between the drone and the watch, acting as a bridge between both devices and allowing the Apple Watch to take over most of the basic controls.
As for the watch, DJI officially limits compatibility to the Apple Watch Series 8, 9, 10 and 11, plus the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 3provided they work with watchOS 11 or higherOutside of this range, the function is not supported, so it is advisable to check both the watch model and the system version before attempting to activate the new mode.
The relationship between the three elements is simple but has its nuances: the Apple Watch is pairs with iPhoneThe iPhone maintains a connection with the DJI Neo 2. As long as the DJI Fly app remains running—even in the background—the watch can send commands to the drone and receive status information. If the user force-quits the app on their phone, the connection is severed, and wrist-based control is no longer available.
What can you do with the DJI Neo 2 from your wrist?
Once the firmware and software requirements are met, DJI enables what it describes as a almost complete control of the Neo 2 from the Apple WatchFrom the watch's small screen, it is possible to initiate takeoff, select flight modes, and start or stop the flight. Video recording, take photographs and access the Live view from the drone camera directly on the watch.
The watchOS dashboard is simplified to avoid overwhelming the user, but includes the most relevant flight information. From there you can Activate subject tracking and adjust this smart modeOne of the Neo 2's key features for sports and outdoor activities is its ability to follow the user while running, cycling, or hiking, allowing them to control the framing and check the battery status without interrupting their movement.
The interface also shows essential indicators such as drone battery status, connection, and ongoing recordingAlthough the screen diagonal is small, DJI has prioritized clarity and quick access to the most used commands, thinking about moments when taking your phone out of your pocket is not at all convenient.
One of the striking aspects of this integration is the use of the voice commands directly from the Apple WatchIf the user grants microphone access permission on the iPhone and activates the "Voice Control" option in the DJI Fly settings, they can command the Neo 2 to perform various actions by speaking to the watch, which is especially useful when their hands are busy.
The watch doesn't just listen to commands: it can also function as Remote microphone for recording audio during flightBy activating the "App Recording" option in the settings and maintaining microphone permission, the Apple Watch collects comments, explanations, or ambient sound that is synchronized with the aerial video—an interesting combination for content creators who record routes, travel diaries, or videos for social media.
How does the live view behave and what are the limitations of the Apple Watch?
Remote control from the wrist is not without its peculiarities. The first has to do with the The way watchOS manages power consumption when the user lowers their wristAt that moment, the screen enters a low refresh rate mode and the drone's live camera view pauses momentarily to save battery.
In practice, this means that The video stream "freezes" when the clock is turned down.The function resumes as soon as the user raises their arm again or touches the screen. This is a behavior inherent to the watch's operating system, not a specific flaw in the Neo 2, so it requires a short adjustment period for those new to this type of control.
To minimize disruptions, it is possible increase the time the screen remains activeFrom the Apple Watch settings, in the display and brightness section, you can set the activation duration up to a maximum of 70 seconds, which is useful for keeping status information and the camera image visible while performing simple maneuvers.
Another point to take into account is the Apple Watch low power modeWhen this option is enabled, the DJI Fly app stops working on the watch, and the remote experience is interrupted. To avoid unexpected interruptions, it's advisable to disable low-power mode before starting a wrist-controlled flight, especially if you plan to record for an extended period.
Despite all the new features, DJI insists that the Apple Watch It is not intended to completely replace the physical controller or the iPhone app.The watch screen is too small to display all the advanced controls, so the focus is on providing a convenient and quick complement for situations where the phone or controller gets in the way.
A lightweight drone designed to accompany you in your daily life
The move to transfer control to the Apple Watch fits quite well with the Neo 2's own design philosophy. It's about an ultralight drone, weighing around 151 grams and with very simplified handlingDesigned for those who want to record without much prior preparation, this approach has been well received by European users looking for equipment that's easy to carry in any backpack.
In terms of image quality, the Neo 2 features a 1/2 inch, 12-megapixel sensorIt is capable of recording 4K footage at 60 frames per second, as well as high-speed 4K clips at 100 fps. It also supports vertical recording in 2,7K, a format that is a perfect fit for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, which are very popular among content creators in Spain.
The announced autonomy is around 19 minutes of flight time per batteryThis figure is geared towards short trips, quick shots in the city, or occasional recordings during mountain hikes. Combined with the ability to launch and control it from your wrist, the drone feels almost like just another piece of tech, ready to be used as soon as a good shot appears.
The model also relies on a wide catalog of smart modes and gesture and voice controlsIt is possible to launch the drone from the palm of your hand and direct it using only the position of your hands: one hand can move it left or right and adjust the height, while using both hands towards the user and separating them makes the drone move away, and bringing them together reduces the distance.
This entire approach allows the Neo 2 to be used without always depending on a traditional controllerBetween gestures, the iPhone app, and now the Apple Watch, many users have enough options to control the drone in everyday contexts without carrying additional accessories, something valued by those who travel on foot, by bike, or by public transport.
More comprehensive firmware update and security alerts
Apple Watch compatibility is part of a more comprehensive firmware package that also introduces security improvements and stabilityAmong the added features is a sound alert system that uses beeps when the drone loses track of the subject or when a low battery level is approaching, something that can make all the difference if the user is not paying attention to the screen at that moment.
Alongside the Neo 2, DJI has deployed New firmware versions for different controllers and goggles of its ecosystem, such as the RC-N3, RC 2 and RC-N2 controllers, and the Goggles 3, Goggles N3 glasses, as well as devices such as RC Motion 3 or FPV RC 3. It is, in practice, a general update that seeks to refine the overall user experience of the brand.
This approach reinforces the idea that the Neo 2 is not an isolated product, but one more piece within a set of interconnected devicesFor the end user, especially in markets like Spain, this translates into more control and viewing options, whether with a traditional controller, FPV goggles, the iPhone, or, from now on, the Apple Watch.
The combination of these technical improvements with a lightweight and easy-to-transport drone makes the Neo 2 particularly attractive to Travelers, cyclists, runners, hikers, and content creators who already use iPhone and Apple Watch dailyBeing able to start tracking, launch a recording, or give a voice instruction without letting go of the bike handlebars or without stopping to take out your mobile phone fits very well with the usage habits seen in much of Europe.
The addition of Apple Watch control positions the DJI Neo 2 as a model particularly well-suited to the Apple ecosystem: By updating the firmware, configuring DJI Fly, and pairing the watch, the user can take off and monitor the drone directly from their wrist.always keeping the iPhone app as a backup and the classic remote for those moments when finer control is required.
