Apple has officially enhanced its Vision Pro headset by introducing the new M5 chip and a more comfortable accessory known as the Dual Knit Band. This marks the first hardware upgrade since the device’s launch in February 2024, which saw the Vision Pro debut at a price of $3,500 in the United States. The upgrade aims to improve performance and comfort for users as Apple continues to expand its presence in the virtual and augmented reality markets.
The Vision Pro, initially equipped with the M2 chip, now features the M5 chip, which boasts a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. This upgrade is expected to enhance performance across various applications, particularly with the upcoming visionOS 26. Apple asserts that the new chip will enable the displays to render 10% more pixels and support a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, resulting in clearer visuals and reduced motion blur for users.
Enhanced Comfort and Accessibility
Alongside the chip upgrade, Apple is introducing the Dual Knit Band, designed for improved comfort. The new band combines features from previous models, providing a more ergonomic fit with a strap that secures the headset to the user’s head. This accessory addresses concerns regarding comfort during extended use and can be purchased separately for existing Vision Pro owners. The band is priced at $99 in the United States, £99 in the United Kingdom, and AU$169 in Australia.
Apple is already accepting orders for the upgraded Vision Pro, with shipments expected to commence on October 22, 2025. The price remains consistent with the original model, starting at $3,499 in the U.S., £3,199 in the U.K., and AU$5,999 in Australia. This strategic timing coincides with growing competition in the XR headset market, particularly with a similar product launch by Samsung planned for October 21, 2025.
Performance Improvements and Future Prospects
The M5 chip is anticipated to deliver significant enhancements in processing capability, particularly in artificial intelligence tasks. With a 16-core Neural Engine, tasks such as setting up personalized settings and transforming photos into spatial scenes will see performance speeds increase by up to 50%. Furthermore, the next-generation GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which could revolutionize graphics quality in gaming and immersive experiences on the Vision Pro platform.
Apple’s commitment to improving the user experience extends to battery life, which now lasts for 2.5 hours during typical use and up to three hours for video playback. Users should note that the existing battery pack remains unchanged, maintaining compatibility with the upgraded headset. For longer sessions, users will need to connect the battery pack to a power source, potentially requiring an additional battery.
The introduction of the M5 chip and the Dual Knit Band reflects Apple’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Vision Pro’s functionality and user comfort. With visionOS 26 bringing major upgrades, users can look forward to an enriched experience, particularly with the promise of live sports broadcasts in Apple Immersive format, including select NBA games featuring the Los Angeles Lakers confirmed for 2026.
As Apple continues to refine its offerings in the spatial computing sector, the Vision Pro’s upgrades may position it favorably against emerging competitors while attracting new users eager for immersive experiences.
