Tag: GoPro Max 2 release date

GoPro Max 2 finally releasing but no Hero 14!

Posted on by DemonView

Well after a lot of waiting and a lot of speculation GoPro have finally announced a release date for the GoPro Hero Max 2 along with a brand new budget camera. Rather than repeat the same false claims as many of the A.I. generated articles seem eager to do (and by god there’s a LOT of them online now), we’re going to look at the facts and the only verified specs as of right now.

The GoPro Max 2

Release date: 9/23 (Confirmed by GoPro.com)

Specs: Unknown at this time, nothing has been verified by GoPro.com. Many people are claiming 8K with 1″ sensors, however I’d be very weary of this claim. GoPro have already stated in their last investors relations call that they don’t have a low light capable camera and it’s a market they want to get into.

Other details: What we do know is that the camera features user replaceable lenses as demonstrated in a GoPro promotional video.

Things to look forward to?: The GoPro Max 2 was due to release last year but then was delayed without warning by over a year. This is an extra year of hardware and firmware development for what is hopefully a stunning 360 camera. GoPro even pushed the release of the GoPro Hero 14 into 2026 so they could concentrate on this model. If the lenses are truly replaceable (and without calibration required) it’s possible that GoPro may offer additional lens options for this camera like they do the Hero 13. So ND filters aren’t out of the question.

Things to be weary of?: Pushing out the release date by a year may have indicated that the GoPro Max 2 just wasn’t up to scratch compared to the competition, after all the release date was cancelled about 2 weeks after the Insta360 X5 hit the market. Many people think this indicates a severely underpowered GoPro. The giant heatsinks (4 of them) on the camera may also indicate that the camera is running a very overclocked GP2 chip which generates quite a lot of heat as a result. Also avoid the market hype of “auto subject tracking”. Other sites are trying to make this sound like it’s a built in camera feature, but so far, it doesn’t look that way. GoPro currently offer 360 subject tracking and it’s actually part of the app. So footage needs to be imported into the app and in the app you can automatically track your subject, but the footage still needs to be edited first. Also from what I’ve seen, the lenses themselves aren’t really replaceable ( I could be wrong) instead the camera looks like it has built in replaceable lens protectors (which may be glass). So we’ll have to see if the marketing is accurate or just hype.

Final Thoughts?: If GoPro want to stay active in the action camera market, the GoPro Max 2 needs to hit it out of the park. We know that GoPro can’t compete in the desktop or app market compared to the competition, so GoPro will need to offer some SERIOUS hardware specs instead. DJI Osmo 360 has a distinct advantage by integrating their wireless mic system, but without user replaceable lenses, GoPro Max 2 is the clear winner. I would be very weary of believing any website that makes claims as to the specs (look for statements such as “rumored to be..” as this means they have no idea what the specs are and are just going off other peoples claims).

The GoPro Lit Hero

Release date: 9/23 (Confirmed by GoPro.com)

The 2nd GoPro that will be released this year (and GoPro confirmed there would only be 2 cameras releasing this year).

Specs: Unknown, but likely to be the same as the current Hero 4K but with a built in LED flashlight on the front.

Other Details: GoPro haven’t revealed any details about this camera other than the built in light and it being a “bright upgrade”. This may indicate that the built in light is actually the only upgrade this camera has.

Things to look forward to?: The Hero 4K was quite a small budget minded GoPro and this one looks to build upon the success of this model while adding a built in LED light. This may prove useful for people who want to vlog on the go at night or make videos where the camera needs to be placed in a small confined dark area (car engine bay for example). So for budget minded creators, this may indeed be a worthwhile upgrade.

Things to be weary of?: LED’s generate a lot of heat and tend to be a bit power hungry. So that’s a concern. Also with no user adjustable focus, put it inside a small enclosed space and you may just end up with out of focus footage. For those filming at night (especially vlogging) LED lights can be very harsh, it’s why creators tend to use larger (softer) light panels or use smaller lights equipped with a diffuser. There’s no sign of any such accessory for the GoPro Hero Lit. Also the Hero 4K actually uses an even small sensor than the GoPro Hero 13, so attaching an LED light is really just a band aid for the Hero 4K’s low light issues. It’s also unlikely that the camera will support external audio (something the Hero 4K doesn’t do either) so keep that in mind.

Final Thoughts?: I’m not a fan of any camera with a built in battery and if you’re going to drop $200 on a camera, I’d throw in the extra $$$ to buy a full priced flagship Hero 13. However for those who film in mostly bright daylight conditions and don’t need anything more than 4K , the Hero Lit will offer you the ability to make… okish.. videos in low light conditions. If you’re going to buy a camera as a present for someone (and that someone tends to drop things a lot, hit them with hammers or set them on fire) the GoPro Hero Lit may be your best budget option.

No GoPro Hero 14?????

In short, NO! GoPro already confirmed that they were only releasing 2 cameras this year and they have now been confirmed as the GoPro Max 2 and the GoPro Hero Lit. However, this may be a good thing! GoPro have been releasing slight/incremental updates to their camera’s year after year. So don’t expect to see the GoPro Hero 14 until 2026 at the earliest.

However when the GoPro Hero 14 does update, you can expect a serious upgrade. GoPro have already stated that they are looking forward to competing in the low light market segment and this means we can realistically expect the next model to have a 1″ sensor. GoPro have already signed off on their GP3 processor back in February, so that’s something else to look forward to.

Keep in mind, if you were holding out for the Hero 14 and you want to know what to look forward to, then keep an eye on the Max 2 when it releases this week. The features GoPro introduce will be an indicator of where they intend to go with future cameras, so even if 360 cameras aren’t your thing, its still a good idea to pay attention. The embargo should be lifted on 9/23 also, so be ready for the flood of reviews from people who’ve gotten to use the unit! Until then, take any claims about specs or features with a grain of salt.

GoPro’s Exciting Max 2 Camera News and More! A Bold Move Forward!

Posted on by DemonView

No one saw this coming!

If there’s one thing you can say about GoPro, it’s that they are always pulling something new out of the bag. This year is no different. With a leaner and more efficient approach to business, GoPro is gearing up to take on the competition in a big way, and I, for one, am excited to see how it all unfolds. GoPro has truly reignited my excitement for their future plans!

GoPro’s Investor Call: A Shocking Announcement!

GoPro held its Q4 investor relations call this past Thursday, and what they announced was not what anyone expected! Honestly, I was blown away, and I don’t think anyone else saw this coming either. So let’s break it down.

Last year, GoPro announced that the Max 2 camera was ready to hit the market and would go on sale in Q3. Everyone (myself included) was eagerly awaiting what GoPro had in store. The timing seemed perfect—GoPro had nearly run out of its existing Max camera inventory, setting the stage for the Max 2’s launch.

However, mere weeks before the expected release, Insta360 dropped its X4 camera, featuring impressive specs that quickly won over users (I haven’t managed to get my hands on one myself—budget constraints are real!). Shortly after this, GoPro announced a delay, pushing the Max 2’s release to Q4. Fans were not happy, and many took this as a sign that the Max 2 might be underpowered compared to the competition. A (now removed) interview with a GoPro PCB designer suggested the Max 2 was designed with the aging GP2 processor—the same chip that powered the Hero 10, Hero 11, Hero 12, and Hero 13. That’s four generations old at this point!

By Q4, GoPro further delayed the Max 2 to 2025, sparking fears that the camera was either being redesigned from scratch or scrapped altogether. This was a major disappointment for GoPro customers and a significant financial hit—GoPro estimated a loss of $100 million in sales due to having no 360-camera offering.

Many assumed GoPro would abandon the 360 market entirely and shift focus to non-360 cameras and other projects.

We couldn’t have been more wrong!

A Stunning Turn of Events: Two New 360 Cameras!

During Thursday’s investor relations call, GoPro announced not one but two new 360 cameras launching this year! Even more shocking—the first will be available by the end of this month! This news stunned and excited fans. GoPro is officially back in the 360-camera game!

Their renewed commitment to the 360 market is also reflected in a massive update to the Quik mobile app. If you own a GoPro Max, you can now take advantage of automatic subject tracking, new preset 360 effects, and more! GoPro is not just launching new hardware; they are improving the overall user experience.

To top it all off, GoPro confirmed the long-awaited GP3 processor is coming this year! But before we get into that, let’s talk about the two new cameras.

The Refreshed GoPro Max: A Smart Move

The biggest surprise of all was GoPro’s decision to refresh the Max rather than just restart production. The Max, originally released in 2019, was a groundbreaking 360 camera, and even today, it remains a favorite due to its compact size, ease of use, and stunning video quality. However, GoPro had run out of inventory, and instead of simply bringing it back, they’ve opted to refresh it—hinting at potential improvements.

GoPro described the refreshed Max as an entry-level 360 camera, which means they’ll have to strike a balance. It can’t be just a 2019 camera sold at full price, but it also can’t be so advanced that it overshadows the upcoming Max 2.

Likely Upgrades

  • Improved Wi-Fi – Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 could make file transfers faster and more reliable while improving battery life.
  • Upgraded Bluetooth – Enhanced Bluetooth (like in the Hero 13) could mean better connectivity, control range, and even Bluetooth audio support, a major upgrade since the original Max had no external audio support.
  • New Modes – Features like night lapse, missing from the original Max but present in its predecessor, the GoPro Fusion, could finally make a comeback.

What NOT to Expect

  • No GP2 Processor Upgrade – Any performance improvements will likely be minor.
  • No HDR Video – This feature is more suited for the Max 2.
  • No Major Redesign – GoPro will likely stick with existing tooling to keep costs down.

Will I be buying one? I’m not sure yet. I already own a GoPro Max and a GoPro Fusion, and I still use both. However, if the refreshed Max supports Google Street View updates (something the original Max failed at), I’d buy it in a heartbeat!

The Max 2: The 360 Powerhouse We’ve Been Waiting For

Now, this is the camera that really has me excited. I was ready to buy one last year, but when GoPro missed their release date, I was disappointed—though also slightly relieved. That rumored GP2 processor would have been a major letdown. The delay suggests GoPro went back to the drawing board to create something far superior. If GoPro delivers like they did with the Hero 13, the Max 2 could be a massive leap forward.

Expected Features

  • GP3 Processor – The long-awaited next-gen processor, likely built on a 5nm process for improved performance, efficiency, and thermal management.
  • Upgraded Wi-Fi & Bluetooth – Faster connectivity and Bluetooth audio support.
  • HDR Video & Higher Resolutions – Expect 8K resolution and better frame rates, possibly 60fps or 120fps in certain modes.
  • New Thermal Design – Likely incorporating heat dissipation improvements similar to the Hero 13.
  • New Battery – Possibly redesigned for better efficiency and longer runtime.
  • In-Camera Night Effects – Features like star trails, light painting, and vehicle lights, but now in full 360.
  • Contacto Door Support – This game-changing waterproof power door should also make its way to the Max 2.

What NOT to Expect

  • 12K+ Resolution – While 8K is probable, extreme resolutions wouldn’t make sense for mobile editing.
  • Media Mod – Stitching issues make external mods tricky, and Bluetooth audio makes it unnecessary.
  • Interchangeable Lenses – The protruding lenses of 360 cameras make lens swapping difficult.

Will I be buying one? Absolutely. The Max 2 will be my go-to 360 camera once it launches. It seems GoPro took the extra time to get things right instead of rushing a mediocre product to market.

Final Thoughts: GoPro is Back in the Fight

GoPro is clearly shifting gears, focusing on:

  • Improving software with highly requested features (like automatic subject tracking).
  • Innovating hardware with meaningful upgrades (interchangeable lenses, HDR, longer recording times, etc.).

The announcement of two new 360 cameras and the GP3 processor has rekindled my excitement for GoPro’s future. The Hero 13 is already one of GoPro’s best releases, and with the Refreshed Max, Max 2, and Hero 14 on the horizon, 2025 is looking like an incredible year for action cameras.

One thing not mentioned during the investor call was the Forecite helmet system, which was expected to launch in Q3 or this year. Given the potential market impact, I suspect GoPro is keeping this under wraps while they finalize testing. If it launches, I predict at least two models—one with a chin-mounted camera and another with a dual-camera front/rear setup.

Either way, it’s an exciting time to be a GoPro fan!

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