Apple has officially revealed the next generation of its mixed reality headset — the M5 Apple Vision Pro. Alongside the headset, Apple also introduced a redesigned Dual Knit Band, blending comfort, performance, and innovative design.
Powerful New M5 Chip Built on 3nm Technology
The new Apple Vision Pro M5 is powered by Apple’s latest M5 chip, built using a 3-nanometer process — a major leap from the M2 chip that powered the first-generation model.
According to Apple, the M5’s upgraded CPU delivers faster app load times, smoother web browsing, and improved overall responsiveness. The upgraded GPU now supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, mesh shading, and 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring crystal-clear visuals and reduced motion blur when viewing real-world surroundings through the headset.
Apple also confirmed that the 120Hz refresh mode will work in Mac Virtual Display, making multitasking and productivity even smoother for professionals using Vision Pro with their Mac setups.
AI Performance Boost with Faster Neural Engine
AI is a key part of the Vision Pro experience, and Apple says the M5’s enhanced Neural Engine brings a significant leap in intelligence and efficiency. Setting up your Persona or generating Spatial Scenes is now up to 50% faster, while AI-powered tools in third-party apps can run up to 2x faster.
This improvement makes everyday tasks in spatial computing more natural and responsive than ever before.
Battery Life and Efficiency
Apple claims the M5 Vision Pro delivers up to 2.5 hours of general use or 3 hours of video playback — about 30 minutes longer than the original Vision Pro. Interestingly, Apple achieved this without changing the physical battery, implying that the M5 chip is optimized for power efficiency rather than sheer performance.
New Dual Knit Band Design for Comfort and Balance
Replacing the previous Solo Knit and Dual Loop Bands, the new Dual Knit Band combines both designs into one. Crafted with 3D-knitted upper and lower strap sections, it adjusts easily with a single pop-out dial and is available in small, medium, and large sizes.
Apple uses tungsten inserts — twice as dense as stainless steel — for better weight balance. The new band is about 150 grams heavier but offers improved comfort and stability, especially for longer sessions.
The Dual Knit Band is also compatible with the original Vision Pro and can be purchased separately as a $99 accessory.
Availability and Pricing
Preorders for the Apple Vision Pro M5 are now live in several regions, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, Hong Kong, and the UAE. It will be available for preorder in Singapore and China soon, with launches in South Korea and Taiwan coming later.
The pricing remains the same as the original Vision Pro:
- $3,500 for 256GB
- $3,700 for 512GB
- $3,900 for 1TB
Apple has discontinued the original Vision Pro, and there’s currently no trade-in program for earlier owners.
Shipments and in-store availability begin on October 22. Accessories such as ZEISS prescription inserts ($150) and the official travel case ($200) remain available and are fully compatible with the new model.
New Accessories: Logitech Muse and PS VR2 Sense Controllers
In addition to the headset, Apple also announced preorders for the Logitech Muse spatial stylus, designed for creative professionals. The company also revealed that PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers will be officially available for purchase starting November 11, marking Apple’s growing collaboration with major gaming hardware brands.
Final Thoughts
With the launch of the M5 Apple Vision Pro, Apple is doubling down on its commitment to spatial computing and next-generation mixed reality experiences. The M5 chip’s performance upgrades, longer battery life, and the new Dual Knit Band all point toward a refined, more user-friendly headset that pushes the boundaries of immersive technology.
The Vision Pro M5 may look familiar, but under the hood, it’s clearly built for the future of mixed reality, productivity, and creative innovation.
