Apple Vision Pro Upgraded with M5 Chip and Dual Knit Band
Apple has refreshed the Vision Pro with a next-generation M5 processor to squeeze more performance and efficiency from the headset, along with a redesigned Dual Knit Band for added comfort. The M5 brings a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, and a 16-core Neural Engine, while the device continues to run with 16GB of RAM.
Key benefits cited by Apple include faster overall performance and longer battery life versus the previous M2-equipped model. The company notes the Vision Pro can deliver up to three hours of video playback per charge, up from a maximum of 2.5 hours on the M2 iteration. In display terms, the M5 enables around 10% more pixels to be rendered, contributing to crisper text and sharper imagery, and it raises the refresh rate to 120Hz from 100Hz, helping reduce motion blur and smooth out Mac Virtual Display usage.
Graphics and AI are also enhanced: the M5 adds hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading for richer visuals. While these capabilities first appeared with the M3, the previous Vision Pro with M2 lacked them. The faster 16-core Neural Engine, along with a Neural Accelerator per GPU core, can accelerate AI features by up to 50% compared with the prior model. The headset’s input processor, the R1 chip, remains part of the stack, and connectivity sticks with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 (no Wi‑Fi 6E or 7 in this update).
There are no exterior design changes or new color options, and the headset continues to rely on a tethered external battery pack rather than a built-in cell.
The updated Vision Pro ships with the Dual Knit Band, a Light Seal, two Light Seal Cushions, a front cover for the device, a polishing cloth, a battery, a USB-C charging cable, and Apple’s new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max. The older Vision Pro bundle used Apple’s discontinued 30W USB-C Power Adapter.
The Dual Knit Band debuts in small, medium, and large sizes and can be purchased separately for $99. It’s compatible with the previous-generation Vision Pro, and the Apple Store app on iPhone helps you pick the right size. Apple describes the band as featuring two straps knitted into a single piece, with the upper strap spanning the top of the head and the lower strap across the back. The lower strap includes tungsten inserts that act as a counterweight for improved balance and stability, and both straps can be tuned with a Fit Dial.
In addition to the Vision Pro update, Apple introduced a Logitech Muse spatial stylus and announced that the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller would go on sale starting Tuesday, November 11.
Availability and pricing details remain consistent with prior models: pre-orders begin today, with shipments and retail availability starting Wednesday, October 22. In the United States, the Vision Pro continues to start at $3,499 and can be configured with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage. The updated headset will also roll out to Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, with launches in South Korea and Taiwan coming later. Demo opportunities at Apple Stores will commence on October 22.
With iPadOS 26.1 slated for release later this year, Apple confirms the Vision Pro app will expand to iPad in addition to the iPhone.
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