Apple Vision Pro gets the M5 chip, 120Hz, and a comfier band

Apple updated Vision Pro with the M5 chip, a new Dual Knit Band, 120Hz support, longer battery life, and visionOS 26 features. Price stays $3,499, with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options. Pre-orders are live in multiple regions, with retail from October 22.

What changed in Vision Pro with the M5 chip

Apple’s M5 brings a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in each GPU core. The 16-core Neural Engine runs system features like Persona capture and spatial photos faster, and Apple calls out higher multithreaded performance across the UI. For third-party apps, Apple says AI tasks can be up to 2x faster than before.

The headset now renders 10% more pixels on its micro-OLED displays. That should help with text clarity and fine UI elements. Vision Pro can also ramp up to 120Hz for smoother motion and less blur when you glance at the real world or use Mac Virtual Display. That is a notable step up from the previous 100Hz cap.

Battery life gets a modest bump: up to 2.5 hours of general use and up to 3 hours of video playback on a single pack. As before, you can plug in for longer sessions. The R1 chip still handles camera, sensor, and mic input with a 12 ms pipeline.

The Dual Knit Band: fit, comfort, and sizes

Comfort matters more than specs with a head-mounted display. The new Dual Knit Band uses two straps knitted as one piece. The lower strap has flexible fabric ribs with tungsten inserts to counterweight the front of the headset. A side Fit Dial lets you micro-adjust quickly. It comes in S, M, and L, is sold separately for $99, and works with the previous Vision Pro.

If you struggled with the Solo Knit or Dual Loop bands, this design aims to distribute weight better. Plan 10 minutes in-store to fine-tune the dial, swap light seals, and test long-read legibility.

visionOS 26 highlights

visionOS 26 adds widgets that persist in your space, refreshed Personas for more natural FaceTime calls, and spatial scenes that use generative AI to add depth to photos. You can play back 180°, 360°, and wide field-of-view footage from cameras like Canon, Insta360, and GoPro, and creators can publish in these formats for Safari and Vimeo. Apple Intelligence gains more languages.

Quick Comparison: M5 vs M2 Vision Pro

Price, storage, and availability

The price stays at $3,499 in the U.S. with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage. Pre-orders are open today across the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, and the UAE, with more regions following. Retail availability begins Wednesday, October 22. Apple lists China mainland and Singapore pre-orders from October 17, with South Korea and Taiwan later. Expect India details through Apple’s local channels.

Accessories and ecosystems

Apple is leaning into creative tools. Logitech’s Muse spatial stylus is available to pre-order now, shipping alongside the updated Vision Pro on October 22. Apple will also sell the PS VR2 Sense controller and its charging station starting November 11 in the U.S. If you rely on Mac Virtual Display, the 120Hz mode should make cursor movement and scrolling feel closer to a high-refresh monitor.

Who should upgrade, and who can wait

• Upgrade now if you edit video or 3D scenes, present interactive demos, or need smoother Mac Virtual Display. The jump to 120Hz and faster AI effects will show up in daily use.
• Wait if you use Vision Pro mostly for passive viewing and the first-gen already fits you well. The Dual Knit Band is compatible with the old model, so you can improve comfort without buying a new headset.

Checklist for buyers

• Book a demo and test S/M/L Dual Knit Band sizes.
• Try 20 minutes of reading and spreadsheet work to judge comfort.
• Enable widgets you actually check, not everything.
• Set Mac Virtual Display to 120Hz and compare readability at your typical distance.
• Plan a charging routine for 2.5 to 3 hours of cable-free use.

Limitations and considerations

Vision Pro remains tethered to an external battery pack. Weight distribution is better with the Dual Knit Band, but long sessions still need a break rhythm. Wi-Fi and BT standards appear unchanged from the first model, and the app ecosystem still skews Apple-first. We will test display persistence at 120Hz, battery drain during video editing, and comfort over multi-hour sessions after retail units land.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the price of Vision Pro with M5?
$3,499 in the U.S., with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage.

When is it available?
Pre-orders now in select regions, in stores from Wednesday, October 22.

What’s the refresh rate now?
Up to 120Hz, previously up to 100Hz.

How much faster is AI performance?
Apple says system AI features can run up to 50% faster; third-party apps up to 2x faster.

Is the Dual Knit Band sold separately and compatible with the old model?
Yes, $99, compatible with the previous Vision Pro.

Did RAM change?
MacRumors reports it remains 16GB.

Is battery life better?
Yes, up to 2.5 hours general, 3 hours video.

What’s new in visionOS 26?
Widgets, updated Personas, spatial scenes, broader 180°/360° video support, Apple Intelligence language expansion.

Featured Snippet Boxes