DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Becomes the First Major DJI Product Banned in the United States

The era of easy access to cutting-edge DJI gear in America is officially ending.

The Osmo Pocket 4, the latest pocket-sized gimbal camera from the Chinese tech giant, will not be available for legal purchase in the US — making it the first major non-drone product to fall victim to the escalating US crackdown on DJI.

American content creators and vloggers are already mourning the loss on social media, not just because they won’t get their hands on the new device, but because fat sponsorship deals and early-review opportunities are vanishing along with it.

How We Got Here

For months, DJI’s official US store had stopped listing new products, yet cameras, gimbals, and drones still trickled in through major retailers like Best Buy and Adorama. That workaround is now collapsing.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Becomes the First Major DJI Product Banned in the United States In December 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added DJI to its Covered List — a designation reserved for companies believed to pose national security risks. This effectively blocks new equipment authorizations for wireless devices, which are required for legal import and sale in the US.

DJI immediately sued, arguing:

The US government provided no concrete evidence of security threats tied to its products.
The company was never given a meaningful opportunity to address concerns or submit data.
The process violates the US Constitution and federal law.

Despite the lawsuit, the courts have been slow-walking the case, while the import ban remains in force. A required national security audit of DJI — mandated by the 2024 NDAA and supposed to be completed by December 2025 — was never carried out by any US agency, despite repeated pleas from DJI. As a result, an automatic ban under the law was triggered.

Attempts by DJI to route products through sub-brands like Xtra and SkyRover have also been shut down.

The Human Cost

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Becomes the First Major DJI Product Banned in the United States For American YouTubers, filmmakers, and photographers who rely on DJI’s industry-leading stabilization and value, this is a painful blow. The Osmo Pocket series has become a staple for travel vloggers and creators. Losing access to the Pocket 4 (and future products) means either sticking with older models, switching ecosystems, or turning to risky gray-market imports with no warranty or support.

What Happens Next?

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Becomes the First Major DJI Product Banned in the United States DJI is still hoping for a political solution. With President Trump scheduled to visit China in May 2026, there is quiet speculation that a broader trade deal could include relief for DJI products.

Until then, American consumers are left with the same options as users in other restricted markets: parallel imports, second-hand gear, or waiting for a miracle.

The Osmo Pocket 4 is just the beginning. Industry analysts expect dozens more DJI products to be blocked from the US market in 2026 and beyond.

For a company that once dominated the global consumer drone and gimbal market, the American chapter is rapidly closing — and creators on both sides of the Pacific are paying the price.