Apple has updated Apple Vision Pro with the new M5 chip, a new Dual Knit Band, and visionOS 26—and the changes add up to real quality-of-life gains for everyday users. Pre-orders are live now, with in-store availability beginning Wednesday, October 22, and demos bookable at Apple Store locations.
What M5 changes
Built on third-gen 3nm tech, M5 brings a 10-core CPU for snappier system performance and a next-gen 10-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading.
Combined with the dedicated R1 chip, Vision Pro now renders 10% more pixels on its micro-OLEDs and can raise the refresh rate to 120Hz for smoother motion—especially noticeable when glancing at your surroundings or using Mac Virtual Display. Battery life extends to up to 2.5 hours of general use (and up to 3 hours of video), with the option to run from power for longer sessions.
AI and apps
A 16-core Neural Engine speeds up system AI features by up to 50% and can double performance in select third-party apps compared to the previous model. The new visionOS 26 adds widgets that persist in your space, enhanced Personas for more natural FaceTime, and “spatial scenes” that use generative AI to add lifelike depth to photos.
In announcing this updated Vision Pro, Apple highlighted the growing library of experiences available on the immersive headset: over 1 million apps (with 3,000+ built for visionOS), hundreds of 3D movies in the Apple TV app, and new Apple Immersive films and series; select live NBA games are “coming soon.”
Improved comfort and fit
The new Dual Knit Band improves balance and stability with upper and lower straps knitted as a single piece, a dual-rib structure for cushioning and breathability, and a dual-function Fit Dial for precise adjustments. Flexible lower-strap ribs with tungsten inserts act as a counterweight, and sizes now include small, medium, and large. It’s also sold separately and remains compatible with the previous-generation Vision Pro.
Gaming and entertainment
Vision Pro continues to lean into big-screen entertainment and games. The headset essentially offers a personal theater with an up to “100-foot” virtual screen where you can stream from major services, and explore a large catalog of 3D movies.
And new for this updated Vision Pro is support for the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller for high-fidelity motion tracking and haptics, plus robust support for popular controllers and game-streaming apps like Portal and Steam Link.
Price, availability, and what’s in the box
Apple Vision Pro with M5 and the Dual Knit Band starts at $3,499 (256GB, 512GB, 1TB). It includes the Dual Knit Band, Light Seal and cushions, device cover, polishing cloth, battery, USB-C charge cable, and 40W Dynamic Power Adapter. Accessories include the Dual Knit Band ($99), Travel Case ($199), ZEISS Optical Inserts (from $99), and Logitech Muse stylus ($129.95). Retail availability begins October 22 in multiple regions; demos are available to book now.
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