Previously, speculations said that GoPro planned to release its new Hero 5 action cam in early 2016. However, GoPro has stated that it will first release its Karma drone before the new action cam, which points to a later roll-out for the GoPro Hero 5. While the company has yet to set a specific release date, observers note that the Hero 4 follow-up may have an October release date in time for the holidays.

According to Fool.com, GoPro plans to discontinue its three previous cameras so that users will be swayed to upgrade to at least a Hero 4 action cam. The industry follower also believes that based on current figures, GoPro's sales for the current fiscal year are only average compared to its competitors. This may be one of the reasons that GoPro streamlined its product releases for 2016. A Hero 5 release in October makes it one of the available products for holiday shoppers, which can translate to sales numbers.

The GoPro Hero 5 is speculated to have a number of improved features over its predecessor, including better element-proof rating and better resolution.

With the Hero 5 launching toward the end of the year, GoPro is shifting its attention to the Karma drone, as it is hinted that the new product will have a mid-year launch. Followers say that the new drone is expected to drop by May or June this year.

GoPro previously stated that the Karma drone is backwards-compatible with previous GoPro action cams. This makes for a cross-interest regarding GoPro's discontinuation of earlier Hero iterations – action cam fans may select the Karma drone over a Hero 4 upgrade, since the drone is backwards-compatible with their current action cams.