Apple gives DJI's new Phantom 4 drone prime retail shelf space in unprecedented partnership
Prominent, large displays at Apple retail stores have historically been reserved for Apple's own products. But that changed this week for the launch of DJI's new Phantom 4 drone, which has been given prime real estate at Apple Stores.
Phantom 4 feature bay at an Apple Store. Via DJI.
Apple is promoting the new flying camera with a large "feature bay" display featuring signage and a hands-on Phantom 4 drone and controller. Boxed units and accompanying accessories are also on display on the store floor for purchase.
Of course, third-party products that tie into the Apple ecosystem are found throughout Apple's stores. But the feature bay allocated to the DJI Phantom 4 represents a new level of promotion for a non-Apple product.
DJI representatives have also visited select Apple Stores to give hands-on training sessions with the Phantom 4. The drone is currently available at more than 400 Apple retail locations around the world.
Phantom 4 in-store training session. Via DJI.
Apple is the exclusive retail partner with DJI for the launch of the Phantom 4, though it will expand to other resellers in the coming weeks.
In unveiling the new model earlier this month, DJI director of strategic partnerships Michael Perry explained that most of his company's customers already use Apple products. The company's prosumer-focused line of Phantom drones integrate tightly with Apple's iOS ecosystem, allowing users to view and even control their drone via an iPhone or iPad.
Priced at $1,399, the Phantom 4 features advanced autopilot, auto-follow and object avoidance capabilities thanks to new cameras and sensors. Using an iPad or iPhone, users can select an object on screen that they want the drone to follow, and the Phantom 4 will automatically track and follow it intelligently avoiding obstacles.
Phantom 4 feature bay at an Apple Store. Via DJI.
Apple is promoting the new flying camera with a large "feature bay" display featuring signage and a hands-on Phantom 4 drone and controller. Boxed units and accompanying accessories are also on display on the store floor for purchase.
Of course, third-party products that tie into the Apple ecosystem are found throughout Apple's stores. But the feature bay allocated to the DJI Phantom 4 represents a new level of promotion for a non-Apple product.
DJI representatives have also visited select Apple Stores to give hands-on training sessions with the Phantom 4. The drone is currently available at more than 400 Apple retail locations around the world.
Phantom 4 in-store training session. Via DJI.
Apple is the exclusive retail partner with DJI for the launch of the Phantom 4, though it will expand to other resellers in the coming weeks.
In unveiling the new model earlier this month, DJI director of strategic partnerships Michael Perry explained that most of his company's customers already use Apple products. The company's prosumer-focused line of Phantom drones integrate tightly with Apple's iOS ecosystem, allowing users to view and even control their drone via an iPhone or iPad.
Priced at $1,399, the Phantom 4 features advanced autopilot, auto-follow and object avoidance capabilities thanks to new cameras and sensors. Using an iPad or iPhone, users can select an object on screen that they want the drone to follow, and the Phantom 4 will automatically track and follow it intelligently avoiding obstacles.
Comments
But I think there could be a perceptual image problem here. Rightly or wrongly, many people perceive drones as devices used to invade privacy. At the same time Apple is pushing this product, they're fighting not to have to create a version of the iOS for the FBI to open a protected iPhone on the basis that doing so would threaten everyone's security and privacy.
Some may view both of these events together as Apple being hypocritical. I think the timing is quite bad. I realize the Phantom 4 was just released and Apple wouldn't want to delay selling it, but it would have been better if they could have waited until there are some further court rulings on the pending case.
I'm the kind of guy whose knee-jerk is to shoot noisy, snooping drones out of the sky... so to see my favorite company sell them is like seeing Mom standing on a street corner with a mini-skirt on, winking at passersby.
I feel that Apple Stores should stick to computer products.