DoorDash drone deliveries to launch in northern California with Chipotle, Popeyes

DoorDash has revealed further details about its upcoming drone delivery program, DoorDash Air, which will launch first in northern California. Chipotle and Popeyes are among the first restaurant chains to join the program.

Drone details

The drone used by DoorDash has six propellers and, according to the company, produces a cruising noise similar to that of a passing car when flying at delivery height. DoorDash says the drone was designed to fit the communities where it will operate.

The company estimates that around 80 percent of restaurant orders available on its platform are small and light enough to qualify for drone delivery. Based on early testing, DoorDash says average delivery times from restaurant to customer's door have been under five minutes.

DoorDash's delivery management system will weigh factors such as ground traffic, weather conditions and flight times to decide which orders are best suited for aerial delivery.

Additional announcements

At its Dash Forward event, DoorDash unveiled several other updates. Users on Apple devices will soon be able to place orders by texting through the Messages app instead of using DoorDash's own app or website, a feature the company says builds on its existing Ask DoorDash assistant. It will first be available in the US, with a waitlist open for interested users.

Businesses will also be able to link DoorDash to internal apps and AI agents to order team lunches or restock supplies automatically. Separately, a number of new retail partners have joined the DoorDash Marketplace for clothing, footwear and beauty products, including Macy's, Anthropologie, The North Face, Vans and Timberland. Customers will additionally be able to use the platform to send items back, though the Dasher Returns service comes with a flat $8 fee.