GoPro Fall 2025 Rumor Roundup: MAX 2 (finally) and the mystery second camera
- Webmaster
- Aug 30
- 4 min read
Creators, strap in. This fall looks busy for GoPro. The company has publicly said two more cameras are coming before the end of 2025, and one of them is the long-awaited MAX 2 360 cam. The other? Most bets point to a new HERO-series flagship on GoPro’s usual September cadence. Here’s what’s confirmed, what’s credible, and what’s pure wish-list, plus quick buying advice for your kit. Digital Camera World
GoPro Fall Rumors (our best bets)
MAX 2 is real and close. GoPro’s own investor commentary references the “upcoming launch of our MAX2 360-camera.” Q4 Reports
A second camera is due this year. GoPro’s CEO indicated two cameras are slated for 2025; history says September is HERO-time. Digital Camera World
New GP3 chip under the hood. GoPro says its latest system-on-chip (GP3) is completed, expect improvements in processing, noise handling, and frame-rate headroom. (That’s inference, but GPUs/SOCs drive those gains.) Q4 Reports
What GoPro has said publicly (aka the non-rumor bits)
In Q2 guidance, GoPro (fall rumors) stated it’s “on track to launch exciting new products in the second half of the year,” explicitly calling out groundwork for the MAX 2 inside the GoPro App’s new 360-editing tools (MotionFrame and POV). It also notes the GP3 chip is done, key context for any 2025 camera. Q4 Reports+1
Digital Camera World likewise reports the CEO’s comment that two cameras are still coming in 2025 and reminds us GoPro’s flagship HERO releases have historically landed in September (Hero10–13 all did). That pattern supports the idea of a HERO “14”-class launch alongside MAX 2. Digital Camera World
MAX 2: design clues, timing, and how it fits your workflow
Leaked prototype imagery (early hardware on a Chinese marketplace) shows a MAX 2 shell without a screen, a sign it’s not final, but with Folding Fingers mounts and large heatsinks inside (read: powerful internals/heat to manage). Translation: GoPro seems to be aiming squarely at Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360 creators. TechRadar
GoPro itself has been warming up the crowd (teasers + repeated mentions), and reputable roundups keep MAX 2 on the “due this year” list. Expect a reveal on the traditional fall timeline. TechRadar
What that means for you: if you shoot travel b-roll, POV rides, behind-the-scenes or need auto-reframing for Shorts/Reels, MAX 2 could be the easier all-in-one than juggling second angles.
The mystery second camera: signs point to a new HERO flagship
Nothing is officially named, but multiple signals suggest the second 2025 camera is a HERO-series update:
September habit: HERO 10/11/12/13 all launched in early September, GoPro rarely breaks this streak. Digital Camera World
Fresh silicon: The GP3 SoC completion hints at performance uplift (think smarter noise processing, higher sustained bitrates/frame rates, and potentially improved HDR/low-light pipelines). That’s not confirmed spec-by-spec, but it’s the sort of upgrade a new HERO would showcase. Q4 Reports
There’s also an Indonesian regulator listing for an unreleased GoPro model, “AMLF1,” which often precedes launches. It doesn’t reveal which model it is, but it adds smoke to the fall-fire. dclife.jp
What not to over-index on (yet)
One-inch sensor rumors: Some chatter expects a big sensor leap right now, but reporting also points to a separate low-light, pro-leaning camera targeted for 2026, which may be where a larger sensor belongs. Treat “1-inch in 2025” as unproven. Digital Camera World
Pocket-style GoPro this year: Patent filings suggest GoPro has explored an Osmo Pocket-type design, but that doesn’t confirm a 2025 release. Photo Rumors
Buyer’s guide: should you wait or buy now?
Wait for MAX 2 if you’re planning 360 workflows for short-form (auto-reframe for TikTok/Shorts), action POV (motos, MTB), or tight spaces (cars, studios). The official trail of breadcrumbs says it’s close. Q4 Reports
Wait for the next HERO if you rely on highest-quality single-lens action footage, shoot surf/skate/snow where stabilization and thermals matter, or want the longest firmware runway. The September pattern is strong.
Buy HERO13 now if you need a camera immediately for client work; discounts are aggressive ahead of new releases, and it already covers 5.3K60/4K120 with robust stabilization. (GoPro’s recent colorway/edition moves show they’re keeping 13 attractive while new gear lines up.)
For SwoleNerd readers: quick kit picks to prep
360 essentials: spare batteries, fast UHS-I U3 A2 microSDs (or V30/V60 if supported), lens guards, selfie-invisible pole.
HERO essentials: cage with cold-shoes, ND set, quick-release mounts, compact headlamp or on-cam LED for indoor podcast BTS.
DaVinci workflow: set up vertical timelines (1080×1920), prep an auto-subtitle preset, and make a “social export” render preset so your test clips fly out fast.
Fort Worth Creators: Our Local Tip
If you’re in Fort Worth or the DFW area, consider renting gear first or booking a studio session. At SwoleNerdProductions.com, we offer both. We’ve helped dozens of new podcasters launch right here in Texas and we’d love to help you, too.
Want a Ready-to-Go Kit?
DM us and we’ll build you a custom Amazon shopping list for your setup, based on your space, budget, and goals.
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