Recently, Amazon Prime Air received the green light from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to deliver electronic devices and accessories with lithium-ion batteries. As you can see, this concerns iPhones, but also Samsung Galaxy, AirPods and AirTags.
Of course, all of this is taking place in the United States, and initially, only the territories of College Station in Texas and the West Valley part of the Phoenix metropolitan area in Arizona are affected. This is a significant advantage, especially when you consider that these geographic areas are very large and often poorly served.
Conditions to be met and a goal in sight
Launched in 2022, the drone delivery service has been a huge success. It must be said that with its promise of delivering in less than 60 minutes, many customers use it regularly. And with this new feature, Amazon could well reach more people.
However, there are limits. The package must not exceed 2.3 kg and the drone can only fly when weather conditions permit. Furthermore, the drop-off location must be clear of any obstacles that could damage the device.
Nevertheless, in the face of these restrictions, Jeff Bezos' company does not lose sight of a very distinct objective specified on X : “This is an important step towards our goal of delivering 500 million packages by drone worldwide by the end of the decade.”
Exciting update in drone delivery from Amazon: Prime Air is now expanding its selection to include popular electronics with lithium-ion batteries, like phones, AirTags, and even grilling thermometers.
Customers who are in eligible areas for drone delivery in Texas and Arizona… pic.twitter.com/wQSpUTE4tu
— Amazon (@amazon) May 20, 2025
A promising technology that doesn't please everyone?
This service will be carried out by MK30 drones that are capable of withstanding light rain and various temperature variations. And this device will no longer have to search for the warehouse's QR code, as Amazon explains: "Now, the process is automated thanks to the drone's onboard computer, so orders arrive directly at designated delivery points, without the need for a physical QR code."
Amazon's drone delivery service. Photography: Amazon.
Not to mention that the address will be saved, which will avoid having to select it again for a future order. Of course, if the device cannot make the delivery, Amazon will inform the customer and explain the reason.
But while this service is convenient, not everyone likes it. In fact, last year, residents of College Station asked the FAA to take action on the noise generated by these drones' engines.
And that's not all, because this service is not without its flaws. It must be said that accidents can happen, as was the case between two aircraft during the month of January, causing the suspension of this service for several days.
Consequently, it will be difficult to satisfy everyone, especially given the inconvenience caused by these drones. But Amazon is staying the course and wants to develop this activity in Italy and the United Kingdom. Not to mention that it proves to be more efficient than truck deliveries.
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