FCC to allow banned drones and routers to receive critical updates until 2029

The FCC has extended the update deadline for certain foreign-made drones and routers to January 1, 2029.

The change reverses earlier guidance that would have cut off firmware and software updates in 2027.

Industry groups had pushed for more time, while security concerns about supply-chain risk, backdoors, and spying remain.

The move lets owners keep devices patched longer, but it also prolongs scrutiny of imported hardware tied to China-related threats.