Sony's Airpeak S1 Drone Grounded: Production Halts as Market Competition Soars
Sony Announces Discontinuation of Airpeak S1 Drone
Sony has officially announced the discontinuation of its Airpeak S1 drone, effective March 31st, 2025. The decision revealed through a notice on Sony Japan’s website on November 1st, comes nearly four years after the drone was first teased at CES 2021.
The discontinuation extends beyond the drone itself, with sales of Airpeak S1 accessories, including the gimbal, battery charger, and remote control, set to cease next year. However, replacement batteries and propellers will remain available until March 31st, 2026. Sony has committed to continuing inspections, repairs, and software maintenance until March 31st, 2030, ensuring support for existing users.
Initially, the Airpeak S1 was designed to work seamlessly with Sony’s mirrorless cameras, boasting impressive specifications. These included a top speed of 55.9mph, 12-minute flight times with a camera and gimbal, and stable flight in winds up to 44.7mph. Despite these capabilities, the drone faced stiff competition from established players like DJI and received mixed reviews upon release.
A 2022 review by PetaPixel deemed the Airpeak S1 “not ready for commercial use,” highlighting early challenges faced by the product. In response, Sony released software updates to enhance the drone’s capabilities, introducing features such as advanced flight mapping, autonomous return-to-home, and improved flight path recreation. Hardware improvements included a lighter camera gimbal and larger battery, extending flight times to 20 minutes with a payload.
The first indication of the Airpeak S1’s potential discontinuation came with the release of Sony’s ILX-LR1 61-megapixel full-frame drone camera in 2023, which was incompatible with the Airpeak S1. This latest announcement confirms the end of the Airpeak S1’s market presence, marking a significant shift in Sony’s drone strategy.
As the drone market continues to evolve, Sony’s decision to discontinue the Airpeak S1 reflects the challenges faced by new entrants in a competitive industry dominated by established manufacturers.
