GoPro Max 2 Announcement: Long-Awaited 360 Camera Prepares for Launch
It's been nearly six years since GoPro launched its first 360-degree camera, the GoPro Max, back in late 2019. In the years since, fans of GoPro's 360 camera series have been waiting for a true successor. The GoPro Max 2 has been in development for so long that it's almost gained mythical status. GoPro's CEO Nick Woodman first confirmed in 2023 that a new 360 camera was "in the works" and promised it would be "worth the wait".
But the road to release has been bumpy – the Max 2 saw multiple delays. GoPro initially hinted at a late 2024 launch during an earnings call, only to push it back to 2025 due to a longer-than-expected development process. In fact, GoPro even released a stop-gap update called the "Max (2025)" earlier this year – essentially a barely refreshed version of the original Max sold at a big discount – to tide fans over while the real sequel was still brewing.
Why such a long wait? Part of the reason is that the action camera landscape has changed dramatically in the interim. In the time GoPro took to develop the Max 2, competitor Insta360 has been dominating the 360° camera market, pumping out four generations of its flagship 360 cams since the original Max.
Models like the Insta360 X3 and the newer X4 and X5 have effectively eaten GoPro's lunch in this category, offering polished 360 cameras that many adventurers have flocked to. GoPro's long hiatus in the 360 arena meant that many users nearly gave up hope of ever seeing a Max successor.
Yet through all the delays and fierce competition, GoPro remains one of the most recognizable names in action cameras. Enthusiasts have kept faith that when the Max 2 finally arrives, it could leverage GoPro's expertise in durability, image stabilization, and user-friendly software to leapfrog the competition.
While the exact release date is still unknown, but it's anticipated sometime in 2025, and according to recent official GoPro post on X, it looks like the wait is almost over.
GoPro Max 2: Pros and Cons
Based on what we know so far, here are some likely pros and cons of the GoPro Max 2:
Pros:
- GoPro Build & Stabilization: Rugged build quality and top-tier stabilization are GoPro hallmarks. The Max 2 should be tough (waterproof, shock-resistant) and extremely stable, yielding smooth footage even in high-action scenes.
- Improved Video Quality: With its upgraded internals, the Max 2 will capture sharper, higher-resolution 360 videos and better photos than the 2019 Max. Expect more detail, better low-light performance, and overall crisper footage.
- Easier Editing Workflow: GoPro’s updated Quik software and new auto-reframe features aim to make editing 360 videos much more user-friendly. Even casual users should be able to produce cool reframed clips with minimal effort.
- Dual-Purpose Versatility: Like its predecessor, the Max 2 will function as two cameras in one. You can shoot everything around you in 360 mode, or switch to Hero mode for a focused, front-facing shot. This flexibility means you don’t always have to film in 360 if you don’t need it.
Cons:
- Late to the Party: The Max 2 is arriving after a long wait, during which competitors have surged ahead. Brands like Insta360 already offer very refined 360 cams, so GoPro is playing catch-up. It will have to really wow users to reclaim ground.
- Potential Spec Gaps: There’s a chance the Max 2 might not fully match the top specs of its rivals. For example, if it caps out at 5.6K or 6K resolution instead of 8K, spec-hungry enthusiasts could be disappointed. Any shortfall in frame rates or sensor size might also be seen as a drawback compared to competing models.
- Learning Curve for 360: Even with improved software, 360-degree video has a bit of a learning curve. New Max 2 users will need to get used to reframing footage and managing large video files. It’s a more involved process than using a standard action cam, which might deter very casual shooters.
- Battery Life & Heat: High-res 360 recording is demanding on the battery and can generate heat. GoPro has added better cooling on the Max 2, but real-world battery life may still be limited for long shoots.
Official Teaser and First Look
GoPro has officially teased the Max 2 on its social media, indicating that the launch is imminent. In early July 2025, GoPro shared two teaser images of the Max 2 – showing the camera in action as it was used by skydivers – accompanied by the one-word tagline "Dropping...". This cheeky teaser nods to the skydiving theme and hints that the camera is about to "drop" (launch) very soon.
The images don't reveal much detail, but eagle-eyed observers did spot a couple of notable design tweaks. First, the camera lenses are now centered on each side of the body (rather than offset to one side as on the original GoPro Max). This could improve balance or stitching quality for 360° footage. Second, the front of the camera shows a finned heat sink area (vent-like grooves), similar to what GoPro added on its latest Hero Black models to aid cooling. This improved cooling should help prevent overheating during intensive recording sessions and allow longer high-resolution clips without interruption.
Otherwise, the Max 2’s form factor looks familiar – a compact, rugged cube-shaped camera with lenses on both the front and back for full 360-degree capture. It’s expected to be waterproof without a separate housing (the original Max was sealed to 5m depth) and built to GoPro’s usual toughness standards, so you can confidently bring it along on surfing, biking, skydiving – wherever your adventures take you.
We haven’t seen the Max 2's display or ports yet, but a built-in touchscreen and GoPro’s signature folding mounting fingers on the base are likely. The teaser did its job: after years of silence, GoPro has signaled that the Max 2 is real and on its way soon.
What New Features to Expect
GoPro hasn’t revealed full specs yet, but we can make some educated guesses. One safe bet is a significant boost in video quality. The original GoPro Max topped out at 5.6K resolution at 30 frames per second for 360° video, whereas today’s leaders like the Insta360 X5 can shoot 8K/30fps (and 5.7K/60fps) 360 video. To compete in 2025, the Max 2 will need to narrow that gap.
We expect GoPro has equipped it with larger image sensors and a more powerful processor to enable higher resolutions and frame rates. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Max 2 offer around 5.7K or 6K video at 60fps, and perhaps even an 8K mode for those who crave maximum detail.
Equally important are the software upgrades. GoPro knows 360 cameras are all about capturing everything around you and then easily reframing the best parts. To that end, the Max 2 will likely debut a revamped editing experience. GoPro has indicated that its Quik software (on mobile, and a new desktop app) will support automatic highlight videos and easy reframing for 360 footage.
The company has even patented an AI-driven "auto-reframe" function that analyzes your 360° video and picks out the best angles for you – much like Insta360’s clever auto-editing features. We might also see an auto-tracking capability, where the camera or software can lock onto a subject and keep it in frame without manual input. These tools should make it much easier for casual users to get fun, shareable videos from their 360 footage.
Naturally, we expect GoPro’s renowned HyperSmooth stabilization to carry over, making the Max 2’s footage ultra-steady even when you’re bombing down a trail or carving through waves. GoPro’s stabilization is a strong suit, and combined with 360 capture it can create surreal “floating camera” shots. We’re also hoping for improved battery efficiency to keep the camera rolling longer despite the heavier processing.
Finally, the Max 2 will surely retain the handy Hero Mode feature of its predecessor – letting you use one lens to shoot a standard, non-360 video when you don’t need an all-around view. Hopefully it will support full 4K quality in Hero mode this time.
GoPro Max 2 vs the Competition
The 360-camera competition has heated up in GoPro’s absence. Insta360 now leads the pack – the X5 shoots 8K video and comes with a superb editing suite, making it arguably the 360 cam to beat. DJI is also expected to join the fray with a rumored “Osmo 360” camera that reportedly offers similar 8K capabilities and a large 1/1.3-inch sensor. Even budget brands have jumped in. In short, GoPro will be entering a crowded field.
One factor that will be crucial for the Max 2 is pricing. The original GoPro Max launched at $499 in 2019, and today a high-end model like the Insta360 X5 sells for about $549. We expect the Max 2 to land somewhere in that $500 range to stay competitive. If GoPro can deliver a camera that matches its rivals on features at a similar price, it will have a compelling value proposition.
But if the Max 2 comes in significantly pricier without clear advantages, it may struggle to win over users who see better specs elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
The GoPro Max 2 teaser has 360-camera fans excited – and for good reason. This is the first real sign of life in GoPro’s 360 line since 2019. Our early verdict: the Max 2 has the potential to be an outstanding 360 action camera if GoPro delivers the right mix of hardware and software. It promises to combine GoPro’s renowned action-cam toughness with modern 360° capabilities that rival the best from Insta360 and DJI.
On paper, the Max 2 should bring GoPro back into the 360° game as a serious contender. Features like higher resolution, better cooling, and smarter auto-editing could fix many of the original Max’s weaknesses. And having GoPro in the mix again is exciting – more competition is great for consumers. If you’re already invested in GoPro gear, or you held off on 360 cameras waiting for something more user-friendly, the Max 2 might be the device that finally makes 360° videography easy and fun.
Of course, final judgment must wait until the camera is actually released and put through its paces. We still need to see the full spec sheet, the price tag, and how the Max 2 performs in real-world use. GoPro has to prove that the Max 2 was "worth the wait". If it succeeds, it could satisfy longtime fans and also attract newcomers who want an immersive camera that just works.
With the official teaser out, a full reveal of specs and pricing is likely around the corner – and then we’ll see if the sequel lives up to the hype.
Featured image GoPro.