Apple Vision Pro Gets M5 Chip, New Dual Knit Band, and Better Battery Life

Apple Vision Pro Gets M5 Chip, New Dual Knit Band, and Better Battery Life

Apple has officially unveiled a refreshed Vision Pro headset, delivering a major performance boost with the new M5 chip and introducing a more comfortable Dual Knit Band. The updated model is now available for pre-order starting at $3,499, with in-store availability beginning Wednesday, October 22.

A Powerful Upgrade: The M5 Chip

At the core of the new Vision Pro is Apple’s M5 chip, featuring a 10-core CPU and a next-generation 10-core GPU. This new processor offers around 10% more rendered pixels for a noticeably sharper and smoother visual experience. The M5 also supports refresh rates up to 120Hz, making motion and animations more fluid and lifelike.

The chip works in tandem with the R1 processor, which streams new images to the headset’s displays in just 12 milliseconds, ensuring near-instant responsiveness. Additionally, its 16-core Neural Engine accelerates AI-driven features within visionOS 26, powering everything from intelligent gesture tracking to real-time environment mapping.

Battery life has also improved — users can now expect up to 2.5 hours of general use and 3 hours of video playback, a small but welcome increase over the previous generation.

Enhanced Comfort with the New Dual Knit Band

Apple is pairing the Vision Pro refresh with a new Dual Knit Band, designed to make long sessions more comfortable. The band uses a 3D-knitted structure and tungsten inserts in the lower strap that act as a counterweight for improved balance.

An adjustable Fit Dial allows users to fine-tune their fit, and Apple will offer the band in three sizes. The Dual Knit Band will also be sold separately for $99, and it’s fully compatible with the original Vision Pro.

visionOS 26 and Expanded Content

The updated headset ships with visionOS 26, bringing several new software features:

  • Persistent widgets that stay visible in your environment for easy multitasking.

  • Enhanced Personas for more natural, expressive video calls.

  • Apple Intelligence integration, leveraging on-device AI for smarter app experiences.

Apple also highlighted a growing library of immersive content, including new experiences from the BBC, Red Bull, and upcoming live NBA games built for the Vision Pro platform.

Expanded Gaming Capabilities

Gamers have reason to celebrate, too. The new Vision Pro now supports the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller, enabling a broader range of gameplay experiences. Titles like Elu Legend and Pickle Pro are among the first to take advantage of this compatibility.

The headset continues to work seamlessly with other accessories, including the recently announced Logitech Muse spatial pencil, expanding creative and interactive possibilities.

What’s in the Box

The updated Apple Vision Pro ships with:

  • The new Dual Knit Band

  • Light Seal and cushions

  • A protective cover

  • Battery pack

  • USB-C cable

  • The new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter

It’s available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage configurations.

Pre-Orders and Availability

Pre-orders for the refreshed Vision Pro are open now in the U.S. and select international markets. Deliveries and in-store availability begin October 22.

With the M5 chip’s performance gains, longer battery life, and improved comfort, this update shows Apple’s commitment to refining the Vision Pro experience — not just for early adopters, but for the broader wave of spatial computing enthusiasts expected to follow.

Back to blog