Sony discontinues $9,000 Airpeak S1 pro drone

Sony recently announced that it will discontinue the sale of Airpeak S1 accessories such as the drone’s gimbal, battery charger, and remote control starting next year. However, replacement batteries and propellers will still be available for purchase until March 31st, 2026, along with inspection, repair, and software maintenance services until March 31st, 2030.

The Rise and Fall of the Airpeak S1

When the Airpeak S1 was first unveiled in 2021, it promised impressive features such as a top speed of 55.9mph, flight times of up to 12 minutes with a camera and gimbal attached, and the ability to withstand winds up to 44.7mph. However, despite these capabilities, the drone failed to capture the market and faced stiff competition from industry giants like DJI. Early reviews of the Airpeak S1 were less than favorable, with PetaPixel’s 2022 review declaring it “not ready for commercial use.”

Future of Airpeak S1 Support

Despite the discontinuation of accessories, Sony has committed to providing support for existing Airpeak S1 owners. Replacement batteries and propellers will be available until 2026, and services such as inspections, repairs, and software maintenance will be offered until 2030. This ensures that users can continue to enjoy their Airpeak S1 drones for years to come.

Conclusion

The Airpeak S1 may not have lived up to its initial hype, but Sony’s commitment to supporting existing users demonstrates their dedication to customer satisfaction. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see what innovations Sony brings to the drone market in the future.

FAQs

Q: Can I still purchase Airpeak S1 accessories after Sony discontinues sales?

A: Sony will no longer sell Airpeak S1 accessories like the gimbal, battery charger, and remote control, but replacement batteries and propellers will still be available for purchase until 2026.

Q: What are the main reasons for the Airpeak S1’s lackluster performance in the market?

A: The Airpeak S1 faced tough competition from established drone manufacturers like DJI and received negative reviews for its performance, leading to its struggles in the market.

Credit: www.theverge.com