Apple Unveils Next-Gen Vision Pro: M5 Chip Boosts Performance and AI Capabilities

Apple refreshes Vision Pro headset with new M5 processor, new Dual Knit band, more battery life

TL;DR: Apple's refreshed Vision Pro headset, powered by the new M5 chip, delivers enhanced CPU, GPU, and AI performance with up to 120Hz refresh rate and improved battery life. Featuring the Dual Knit Band for comfort, VisionOS 26, and PlayStation VR2 Sense controller support, it sets a new standard in spatial computing. Apple has just announced a refreshed, more powerful version of its Vision Pro headset, now powered by its new M5 processor, and more. Check it out: In the days leading up to Samsung's big launch of its new Galaxy XR headset, Apple has announced its new M5 processor that powers its new Vision Pro headset. The new Vision Pro powered by the M5 processor features more CPU, GPU, and AI performance, with a new Dual Knit Band, and so much more. Starting with the new in-house M5 processor, which features up to 10 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, that Apple says enable "hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, enabling developers to add remarkable detail to lighting, shadows, and reflections in games like Control". The 16-core Neural Engine handles AI workloads, running up to 50% faster for system experiences, and up to 2x faster for third-party apps over the M4 chip inside of the original Vision Pro. Apple's new M5-powered Vision Pro headset can also now increase its refresh rate up to 120Hz which reduces motion blur, while the purpose-built R1 chip -- which is a dedicated co-processor -- processes input from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones, allowing the streaming of new images to the displays within 12 milliseconds, creating a real-time view of the world. Apple says that the high-performance battery inside of the refreshed Vision Pro headset now supports up to 2.5 hours of general use, up to 3 hours of video playback, all from a single charge. Next up, we've got Apple's new Dual Knit Band, which sports upper and lower straps that are 3D-knitted as a single piece, creating a unique dual-rib structure that provides cushioning, breathability, and stretch. Apple says that the lower strap uses flexible fabric ribs embedded with tungsten inserts that provide a counterweight for additional comfort, balance, and stability. The new Dual Knit Band for the refreshed Apple Vision Pro comes in small, medium, and large sizes, it can be purchased separately, and it will work with existing Vision Pro headsets. Another big upgrade to the M5-powered Vision Pro is that Apple has VisionOS 26 ready to go, bringing new spatial experiences to the refreshed Vision Pro, with new bespoke widgets that make it easier to check things like the time or weather, play music or podcasts, decorate the space around them in AR, or use ChatGPT. Apple says that there are enhancements to Persona, your dynamic, digital avatar, which make communicating through apps like FaceTime feel "even more natural and familiar". Spatial scenes can now use generative AI to add lifelike depth to your photos, while users now have the ability to play back 180-degree, 360-degree, and wide field-of-view videos from popular action cameras. Gamers will be happy to hear that Apple's new refreshed Vision Pro headset enables support for the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller, allowing gamers to enjoy a new class of immersive gamers with high-performance motion tracking in 6DoF, finger touch detection, and vibration support. Some of the first games supporting the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller with the refreshed Vision Pro are Elu Legend, Pickle Pro, Ping Pong Club, and Spatial Rifts. Apple's refreshed Vision Pro headset features and pricing: * The new refreshed Vision Pro starts at $3,499, and is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities. * Pre-orders for the new headset begin today in the US and many other regions. Customers in mainland China and Singapore will be able to start pre-ordering the M5 Vision Pro starting this Friday. * Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip and Dual Knit Band will be available in Apple Store locations in the US and many other regions from October 22. * Dual Knit Band is available to purchase separately for $99. * PlayStation VR2 Sense controller and Controller Charging Station will be available for $249.95 from the Apple Store online in the U.S. beginning November 11. Bob Borchers, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, said: "With the breakthrough performance of M5, the latest Apple Vision Pro delivers faster performance, sharper details throughout the system, and even more battery life, setting a new standard for what's possible in spatial computing. Paired with the comfortable Dual Knit Band, innovative features in visionOS 26, and all-new Apple Immersive experiences spanning adventure, documentary, music, and sports, spatial computing is even more capable, entertaining, and magical with the new Vision Pro".

Apple Updates Vision Pro With M5 Chip and 50% Faster AI - Phandroid

Apple upgraded the Vision Pro with the M5 chip, delivering significant performance improvements in AI processing, graphics, and overall user experience. Built on third-generation 3-nanometer technology, the M5 features a 10-core CPU and GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, enabling more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in apps and games. The updated Vision Pro renders 10% more pixels on its micro-OLED displays and supports refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother visuals and reduced motion blur. The dedicated R1 chip still handles input from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones, maintaining the 12-millisecond latency for real-time environmental views. Battery life improved to 2.5 hours of general use and 3 hours of video playback on a single charge. An external battery pack can be connected for extended sessions. Apple also introduced a redesigned Dual Knit Band head strap, improving comfort, breathability, and stability with adjustable sizes and tungsten inserts. The headset weighs between 750-800 grams, slightly heavier than the previous model. The M5's 16-core Neural Engine runs AI-powered features up to 50% faster on system functions and twice as fast on third-party apps. visionOS 26 brings widgets, enhanced Personas, expanded language support, and new AI capabilities. Developers can use Apple's Foundation Models framework to build advanced spatial computing applications. JigSpace, for example, uses on-device AI to help users explore complex information with natural language queries and interactive 3D models. For users who've followed the Vision Pro's mixed reception since launch, the M5 upgrade addresses some concerns around performance and comfort. However, the higher weight and external battery pack remain reminders of the tradeoffs required for premium mixed reality hardware. The update aims to expand use cases and boost adoption of spatial computing in 2025.

Apple Vision Pro gets M5 upgrade with 120Hz display, dual knit band, and immersive spatial experiences

Apple has launched the Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip, offering faster performance, sharper visuals, and improved battery life. The headset includes a redesigned Dual Knit Band for comfort and runs on visionOS 26, featuring enhanced spatial experiences, widgets, and Apple Intelligence tools with support for more languages. The M5 chip, built on third-generation 3nm technology, features a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, enabling detailed lighting and reflections in apps such as Control. Vision Pro now renders 10% more pixels, supports refresh rates up to 120Hz, and delivers faster app launches and smoother web browsing. The R1 chip processes input from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones, streaming images to the display in 12 milliseconds. Battery life extends to 2.5 hours of general use or 3 hours of video playback, with the option to connect to power for longer sessions. The 16-core Neural Engine accelerates AI tasks by 50% for system features and 2x for third-party apps. Developers use Apple's Foundation Models framework to build spatial AI applications like JigSpace, which interprets complex 3D data interactively. The Dual Knit Band has a 3D-knitted dual-rib structure for cushioning, stretch, and breathability. Tungsten inserts in the lower strap provide counterweight for balance. The dual-function Fit Dial allows precise adjustment. Available in small, medium, and large, it is compatible with earlier Vision Pro models and sized via the Apple Store app. visionOS 26 adds persistent widgets, upgraded Personas, and spatial scenes using generative AI. The system supports 180°, 360°, and wide field-of-view video playback from action cameras, viewable in Safari or Vimeo. Later this year, iPadOS 26.1 will bring the Apple Vision Pro app to iPad for content discovery, app queuing, and usage guidance. Apple Vision Pro supports over 1 million apps, including 3,000 visionOS-specific apps. Users can design homes with HomeByMe and Lowe's Style Studio, explore fashion with Balenciaga, and view art through Christie's Select and Art Authority Museum. Entertainment includes Apple TV 3D movies (Superman, Jurassic World Rebirth, How to Train Your Dragon, Wicked) and Apple Immersive content, including upcoming NBA games and new releases from BBC, HYBE, Audi F1 Project, and Red Bull. Spatial gaming leverages high-resolution displays, Spatial Audio, and low-latency controls. Games like Porta Nubi, Glassbreakers, Elu Legend, Pickle Pro, Ping Pong Club, and Spatial Rifts support advanced motion tracking and tactile feedback. Vision Pro supports professional workflows. Artists can draw with Crayon, photographers edit in Pixelmator via Mac Virtual Display, and filmmakers review spatial videos. Presentations can be rehearsed in 3D replicas of Steve Jobs Theater using Keynote. Enterprises use Vision Pro for specialized tasks: CAE for flight simulations, Porsche for vehicle previews, and Visage Imaging for 3D medical imaging at UC San Diego Health. As part of Apple 2030, Vision Pro uses 100% recycled aluminum, rare earth elements, and cobalt, with fully recyclable fiber-based packaging. It meets Apple's energy-efficiency and material safety standards. Apple Vision Pro with M5 chip and Dual Knit Band starts at USD 3,499 (Rs. 3,07,120 approx.), available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Speaking about the launch, Bob Borchers, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, said:

Apple Vision Pro with M5 chip announced: Specs, price, features and more

Runs on visionOS 26 with AI-driven features, immersive 360° content, and pro creative tools. Apple has officially unveiled the next-generation Apple Vision Pro, now powered by the M5 chip. The upgraded headset promises faster performance, smoother visuals, enhanced AI workflows, and extended battery life. The new Vision Pro also ships with the Dual Knit Band, designed for better comfort and balance, and runs on visionOS 26, which brings new spatial experiences, interactive environments, and improved Apple Intelligence features. The Apple Vision Pro with M5 chip is available for pre-order now, starting later this month across major Apple Stores. Here's all you need to know about the Apple Vision Pro with M5. The new Apple Vision Pro with M5 sports a Dual Knit Band with a two-strap system comprising a 3D-knitted upper and lower section. The lower strap features tungsten inserts for stability, while the Fit Dial allows for adjustments. It comes in three sizes and is compatible with the previous Vision Pro model. The new Apple Vision Pro is powered by the M5 chip, built on third-generation 3nm technology, with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Apple claims the new GPU architecture makes lighting, shadows, and reflections in games like Control look more realistic than ever. The upgraded micro-OLED display is said to deliver 10% more pixels, resulting in sharper text and visuals. Vision Pro also supports refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother motion and reduced blur, especially during Mac Virtual Display use. A dedicated R1 chip offers real-time sensor input from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones, refreshing images within just 12 milliseconds. In terms of battery, it is claimed to offer 2.5 hours for general use and up to 3 hours of video playback on a single charge. Additionally, it comes with a 16-core Neural Engine and AI-powered features. The device can also perform tasks like creating Personas, transforming photos into 3D spatial scenes, by using AI-driven enterprise tools. Developers can leverage Apple's Foundation Models for advanced on-device AI experiences, such as JigSpace, which uses Vision Pro's AI capabilities to visualise complex datasets in 3D. Furthermore, the new wearable device will run on Apple's visionOS 26. Users can watch immersive 180° and 360° videos, and new Apple Immersive experiences, including upcoming NBA games and films from BBC, HYBE, and Red Bull. It also supports the popular iPad games like Sniper Elite 4 and Where Winds Meet. The PlayStation VR2 Sense controller supports motion tracking for the headset. Also read: Apple iPad Pro with M5 chip officially launched, pre-orders start at Rs 99,900 For professionals, Vision Pro supports creative tools like Pixelmator, Da Vinci Eye, and Keynote, allowing users to work, design, or present in fully immersive 3D environments. The Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip and Dual Knit Band starts at $3,499 (roughly Rs 3,08,000) in the US. It will be offered in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage variants. Customers can pre-order the new Vision Pro today across major markets, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, France, Germany, Hong Kong, and the UAE, while pre-orders for China mainland and Singapore begin on October 17. The headset officially hits Apple Store shelves on October 22 in these regions, with availability in South Korea and Taiwan slated for a later date.