Amazon has taken fast delivery to the next level. If you live in an area where Amazon's drone service is available, you can now receive items like iPhones, AirPods, and even thermometers in just 60 minutes delivered straight to your doorstep by drone.
The service is simple to use. When you shop on Amazon.com or through the Amazon app, you can now choose drone delivery at checkout as long as your item weighs five pounds or less and you’re in an eligible location. Once you place your order, Amazon’s drones can fly the product to you and drop it off safely in under an hour.
The company has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expand the types of products it can deliver via drone. The list now includes over 60,000 items, including popular devices like the Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy phones, Apple AirTags, AirPods, and Ring doorbells.
To make this possible, Amazon has spent the last two years building detailed digital maps that allow drones to identify safe delivery spots. These delivery zones are chosen to be free from obstacles like trees or buildings. Customers can set their preferred drop-off points, such as a driveway or backyard, which the drone then remembers for future deliveries.
The latest drone model, called the MK30, no longer relies on physical QR codes to identify the delivery location. Instead, its smart system uses satellite data and real-time sensors to find the right spot and make sure it’s safe. The drone hovers about 13 feet above the ground and checks that there are no pets, people, or vehicles in the area before lowering the package.
The drone service is also weather-aware. While it can fly in light rain, Amazon won’t send drones out if the weather isn’t safe. The system uses a 75-minute forecast to decide whether to proceed with the delivery.
So if you suddenly realize you’re out of batteries or want a new iPhone in a hurry, drone delivery could soon be your fastest option, as long as the skies are clear.
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