From Capsule to Square: Insta360’s Bold New Action Cam Coming August 21

In the highly competitive world of action cameras, innovation often revolves around design refinement, enhanced portability, and performance upgrades that help creators push boundaries. Over the years, Insta360 has carved its place as a trailblazer—offering creative tools for filmmakers, vloggers, and adventure enthusiasts alike. Now, the company is gearing up for another major leap. On August 21, 2025, Insta360 will officially reveal its brand-new square-shaped action camera, a move that breaks away from its familiar pill-shaped design and hints at a new era of compact creativity.

This anticipated release, widely speculated to be the Insta360 Go Ultra, is already generating waves across the tech community. The teaser campaign, titled “Be There. Be Square.”, has only intensified the hype, leaving creators curious about what this radical shift means for portability, functionality, and the future of action cam storytelling.

In this blog, we’ll unpack the bold design shift, highlight the rumored features, explore what this launch means for content creators, and explain why this square-shaped device could redefine compact action cameras.


The Teaser: “Be There. Be Square.”

On August 19, 2025, Insta360 confirmed what many speculators had already been whispering: a new product launch was coming. The company teased the camera on its website and social channels with the phrase “Be There. Be Square.” The tagline itself was a playful nod to the camera’s shape—a clear departure from the rounded, capsule-like silhouette of previous Go-series models.

For years, the Go series has been defined by its sleek pill design, small enough to wear around your neck, magnetically mount, or slip into any pocket. But this teaser made one thing clear: Insta360 is rewriting the rules. Instead of staying married to the capsule style, the new design will be square and compact, housing bigger capabilities in a form factor that feels sturdier, more practical, and perhaps more versatile.

To build excitement further, Insta360 even launched a promotional giveaway tied to the reveal. Fans signing up ahead of launch had the chance to win prizes—including the new camera itself—creating buzz not just among professional creators but also everyday consumers eager to experiment with immersive content.


First Glimpses: What the Leaks Suggest

Ahead of official confirmation, leaked images and insider scoops gave enthusiasts their first glimpse of what might be called the Insta360 Go Ultra. The photos showed a tiny square camera with the lens positioned at one corner, resembling a fusion between the classic action cam box style and Insta360’s distinctive minimalist identity.

Alongside the visual leaks, several rumored specifications surfaced:

  • Bigger Sensor: A 1/1.28-inch sensor, significantly larger than previous Go models, which promises superior low-light performance, richer details, and more dynamic range.
  • Higher Video Power: Support for 4K at 60 frames per second, a clear upgrade from the Go 3S’s 4K at 30 fps. This bump ensures smoother, crisper footage ideal for action-packed sequences.
  • Enhanced Shooting Modes: Active HDR recording, horizon lock stabilization, and advanced image stabilization for buttery smooth footage even in rugged environments.
  • Slightly Heavier Build: At around 53 grams, it’s still ultra-portable but sturdy enough to feel more substantial in hand.
  • Action Pod Upgrade: A redesigned docking unit with a flip-up preview screen that doubles as a remote control and extended battery pack, enhancing usability for vloggers and solo creators.
  • Improved Waterproofing: Hints suggest better durability, possibly allowing the camera to survive underwater adventures without needing an additional case.

If these specifications prove true, the Insta360 Go Ultra won’t just be a refresh—it will be a major step up in performance while retaining the ultra-compact DNA that made the Go series so beloved.


Why the Square Design Matters

At first glance, the decision to pivot from a capsule to a square body might seem cosmetic. But in reality, this design shift brings both engineering benefits and functional advantages.

  1. Heat Management
    A square body allows better thermal dissipation, preventing overheating during long 4K recording sessions—a common challenge in ultra-small cameras.
  2. Larger Sensor Accommodation
    A bigger sensor means better performance in all lighting conditions. The square design gives engineers more room to house and stabilize that sensor without making the device bulky.
  3. Durability and Waterproofing
    The sturdier build suggests improved waterproofing and ruggedness, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, divers, and adventure seekers.
  4. Simplified Mounting
    A flat-square design opens up easier integration with mounts and gear setups, especially for creators who prefer versatility in how they position the camera.

This design change signals more than just a visual tweak—it represents a functional evolution in what pocket-sized cameras can deliver.


Carrying Forward Insta360’s Legacy

To appreciate the weight of this change, it’s important to look back at how Insta360 built its reputation.

  • GO Series (GO 3, GO 3S): Known for their magnetic, wearable form factors and POV-friendly design, these were loved by vloggers, travelers, and casual content creators.
  • ONE R / ONE RS: Insta360’s modular systems with swappable lenses, giving creators the flexibility of wide-angle, 360, and boosted sensor options in one device.
  • X Series (X3, X4, and upcoming X5): Market-leading 360° cameras with AI-powered editing tools and immersive capabilities that redefined action filmmaking.

The new square-shaped model seems to merge the simplicity of the GO series with the professional features of larger cameras—positioning itself as a versatile hybrid for both beginners and seasoned creators.

Insta360 Official Site (for product updates & launch details)