Amazon Expands Drone Delivery to Include Smartphones, Faces Noise Concerns in Texas and Arizona
May 20, 2025
However, deliveries are limited to specific areas in Phoenix, Arizona, and College Station, Texas, and can only occur during daylight hours and favorable weather conditions.
This new delivery method significantly reduces the risk of damage to items, as packages are dropped from a height that meets safety guidelines for lithium-ion batteries.
This initiative marks a significant shift in the purchasing and delivery landscape, showcasing a move towards advanced and rapid delivery methods.
The Prime Air service, which has been operational since 2022, promises deliveries within one hour to designated locations, such as backyards.
Customers in eligible areas can expect their orders to arrive within 60 minutes, provided the package weighs 5 pounds or less.
Customers can select their preferred delivery location through the Amazon Shopping app, which can also be set as a default address.
The inclusion of Apple products in the delivery lineup indicates a developing partnership between Amazon and Apple, enhancing the appeal of the service.
On May 20, 2025, Amazon announced the expansion of its drone delivery service after receiving approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to deliver a variety of items, including Apple products like iPhones and AirPods.
Amazon has updated its delivery protocol, allowing drones to drop packages from approximately 13 feet without requiring customers to place QR codes on the ground.
The MK30 drones are equipped with advanced perception systems that allow them to navigate obstacles and ensure safe delivery by not releasing packages if there are pets, cars, or people below.
Despite these advancements, Amazon faces challenges in gaining customer acceptance, particularly in College Station, where residents have expressed concerns about noise and disturbances from the drones.
As Amazon advances in drone delivery, competitors like Walmart and DoorDash are also expanding their services, indicating a growing trend in the logistics industry.
Summary based on 12 sources
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Sources

The Verge • May 20, 2025
iPhones are on the menu for Amazon drone delivery
9to5Mac • May 20, 2025
Amazon Prime Air drones now deliver iPhones, AirTags, more
Gizmodo • May 20, 2025
FAA Gives Amazon’s Drones the Go-Ahead to Carry Lithium-Ion Batteries