Used drone prices don't drift — they step. And every step down has a launch event attached to it. After tracking certified resale values through three generations of DJI releases, the pattern is reliable enough to plan around: a successor announcement knocks 10–20% off the previous model's used price within 90 days.
The Depreciation Rhythm
DJI's consumer lines refresh on roughly 18–24 month cycles: Mini and Air series in alternating years, Mavic flagships slightly longer, enterprise platforms every 2–3 years. The used market reacts in two stages — a sharp 10–15% drop on announcement (the 'headline discount'), then a slower 5–10% slide as early adopters' trade-ins actually reach the market.
What 2026 Has Already Taught Us
The Avata 360 launch cut used Avata 2 prices ~13% in four months. The Matrice 400 is doing the same to used M350 RTKs right now. Meanwhile models without a 2026 successor — the Mini 4 Pro, Air 3S, Mavic 3 Pro — have held value remarkably flat, which is itself pricing information: no launch imminent.
Buying Strategy: Own the Step, Don't Get Stepped On
The rational play depends on which side you're on. Buying? Target models 3–6 months after their successor launches — the dip has formed, but supply is still deep. Selling? Move before the announcement, not after: once a successor is official, your drone's value drops whether you sell or not. Our instant quote reflects live market data, so timing decisions are easy to test.
The Exception That Proves the Rule
Discontinued-but-irreplaceable models defy the curve. The Phantom 4 Pro's mechanical shutter keeps its used price stable years after discontinuation — scarcity plus a professional use case beats age. Watch for the same dynamic if any current model with a unique capability gets retired.