A verified DJI pilot may have leaked photos of DJI’s new Mavic Air 2 drone.

Tech Radar reports Twitter user @OsitaLV posted five photos which industry experts say could be the company’s planned mid-range drone. The model is rumored to be released in April. Osita’s profile lists him as a “verified drone pilot on DJI BBS (China), Aerial photographer and filmmaker.”

TechRadar writer Mark Wilson notes:

“So what do the photos tell us about the DJI Mavic Air 2? Well, its folding design closely resembles the Mavic 2 series, although it’s likely to be a little smaller than those models. One of the photos shows a new controller, which looks a little larger and sturdier than the current one and lets you attach your phone above the controls, rather than below them. There are all of the usual controls, including a central switch to flick it between normal, tripod and sport mode, with the latter turning it into more of a racing drone with a faster top speed.”

Released in 2018, the Mavic Air is considered an in-between model of drone – more sophisticated and costlier than the Mini but not quite as advanced as the Mavic 2 Pro.

With a weight of only 3.15 pounds, the foldable Mavic Air is about half the size of the Pro and weighs 40 percent less.

DroneLife’s Malek Morrison reviewed the Mavic Air in 2018:

“The Mavic Air is nimble and stable in equal measure, comfortably hovers in place even in windy conditions and is quicker off the mark than we expected. … The addition of a rear sensor to make sure you don’t crash into anything while flying backwards is incredibly handy – both for experienced pilots and those new to flying.”

Tech Radar says the Twitter photos depict a new, larger, sturdier controller included with the next Air. The design may allow users to attach a smart device above the controls rather than below.

“Perhaps the most interesting new features are to do with safety. There are two rear sensors on the back, which means the Mavic Air 2 should have 360-degree obstacle avoidance. This would be step up from the current model’s three-directional environment sensing.”

More details as the story unfolds…