Apple's App Store review delays temporarily ground DJI's new Phantom 3 drone [u]
An apparently lengthy and stringent Apple App Store review process has held up the release of an app required to connect iOS devices to DJI's Phantom 3 drone camera, leading to frustration among owners of the new device.
Those among the first to get the newly released Phantom 3 have found that they can't connect their iPhone or iPad to the drone with the existing DJI application. A support representative for the company took to the RCGroups.com forums on Tuesday to inform users that the hold-up is on Apple's end.
"Unfortunately we are again at the mercy of Apple," the support rep said. "The app was submitted in a timely fashion but they continue to make their requirements more stringent with every submission. I was told that it should be on the Apple store shortly."
He added: "We are sorry, we thought we had plenty of time, but Apple changed that on us."
In the interim, owners of the new Phantom 3 have been advised to use an Android device, if they can, to interact with the Phantom 3. The latest version of DJI's app is already available on the Google Play Store.
Apple's App Store review process has always been somewhat controversial among some developers, who have criticized the company for inconsistent application of rules and lengthy review times. Such delays can cause headaches for companies and users, who may need new software to address serious bugs or add new features.
In the case of the Phantom 3, the drone's live camera feed and controls are unusable without the updated application, which will apparently be made available whenever it receives Apple's approval. Until then, the device, which starts at $999, won't offer iOS connectivity.
DJI unveiled the new Phantom 3 earlier this month, featuring improved specifications, longer flight time, tighter integration with Apple's iOS, and a lower entry price. It's available to purchase direct from DJI.
Update: DJI later changed its stance and blamed the delay on internal miscommunication, saying an engineer had "made a misstatement" to Apple. The companies are working together to solve the problem.
Those among the first to get the newly released Phantom 3 have found that they can't connect their iPhone or iPad to the drone with the existing DJI application. A support representative for the company took to the RCGroups.com forums on Tuesday to inform users that the hold-up is on Apple's end.
"Unfortunately we are again at the mercy of Apple," the support rep said. "The app was submitted in a timely fashion but they continue to make their requirements more stringent with every submission. I was told that it should be on the Apple store shortly."
He added: "We are sorry, we thought we had plenty of time, but Apple changed that on us."
In the interim, owners of the new Phantom 3 have been advised to use an Android device, if they can, to interact with the Phantom 3. The latest version of DJI's app is already available on the Google Play Store.
Apple's App Store review process has always been somewhat controversial among some developers, who have criticized the company for inconsistent application of rules and lengthy review times. Such delays can cause headaches for companies and users, who may need new software to address serious bugs or add new features.
In the case of the Phantom 3, the drone's live camera feed and controls are unusable without the updated application, which will apparently be made available whenever it receives Apple's approval. Until then, the device, which starts at $999, won't offer iOS connectivity.
DJI unveiled the new Phantom 3 earlier this month, featuring improved specifications, longer flight time, tighter integration with Apple's iOS, and a lower entry price. It's available to purchase direct from DJI.
Update: DJI later changed its stance and blamed the delay on internal miscommunication, saying an engineer had "made a misstatement" to Apple. The companies are working together to solve the problem.
Comments
Perhaps DJI should have made sure the App was available before selling people devices. Why is this Apple's fault?
Perhaps DJI should have made sure the App was available before selling people devices. Why is this Apple's fault?
Because Apple is always at fault.
Three weeks is not long in the Apple approval process. You also have no idea why it's taking however long it's taking. Maybe it had problems that had to be fixed. Maybe it had several. It's easier just to blame Apple. At my company, we plan on six weeks minimum for Apple approval assuming no or minor issues.
Luckily all the apps I have worked on have been 2-10 days for approval.
What delay?! App Store shows last update on April 2nd. They are not singling out DJI. Apple Developers website is showing 51% of iOS updates are being approved in five business days (new apps is at 36% by the way). This is clearly widespread issue. Beside, Apple offer each developer limited number of expedited reviews in case a developer needs to release critical update. I have tried it before and it took less than 48 hours. Maybe the should have done that.
Without giving details about how long and why it is "delayed" this whole thing is stupid.
Great product but DJI can't seem to get it right with software of other things that mater.
So P3 users have no manual & no software.
DUH.
Hi,
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3. ??http://www.dji.com/cn/product/phantom-3 ??LIVE800?????????????????????????(SN),????,DJI????????????
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DJI
Hello, thanks for contacting DJI. You can reach us by:
E-mail to: support@dji.com
Send an e-mail containing your name, phone number, location, product Serial Number, and brief description of your issue, and our service team will contact you as soon as possible. DJI regional offices during local working hours:
North America:
Call +1 (818) 235-0789, Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm PST, or e-mail us.support@dji.com
EU Member Countries:
Call +49 (0) 9747-9304200, Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm Central Europe time, or e-mail support.europe@dji.com
Japan:
E-mail support.jp@dji.com
If you have any pre-sales questions about DJI products before you buy, please write to us at onlinesales@dji.com, and we will respond shortly.
Thank you!
DJI
10:51:30
???????????????????
Hello, what can I do for you.
so where do I get the new firmware to make the app work?
it hasn't been released and updated yet
please wait
10:52:43
so i can't use the device now?
yes - i can't?
No APP and firmware package
you can't use your drone
whaaaat???
are you kidding???
The Phantom 3 compatible version the DJI Pilot app for iOS will be available on the App Store within one week. After downloading the new DJI Pilot app, you must update the firmware of your Phantom 3 before it can be used.
yeah, that's totally ridiculous
sorry for bringing inconvenience
because the APP is under examination
can i use it with an older app?
or it's just a piece of junk for $1000?
sorry for bringing inconvenience
ok guys, i gonna sue the crap out of your company.
thanks for the horrible experience.
pleasure
I've read this review http://djiphantom2vision-plus.com/dji-phantom-3-quadcopter-review/ where stated that DJI has a SDK that allows to create new apps. Also I've heard rumour that DJI are going to release ground station update in the future, within 2 or 3 month. Hence, where is the truth?