Apple is going all-in on its new M5 chip, integrating it across its product lineup. Alongside updated MacBooks and iPads powered by the M5, the company also unveiled a refreshed version of the Vision Pro. This marks the first new iteration of Apple’s mixed reality headset—what it calls a “spatial computer”—since the original M2-powered Vision Pro launched last year. The biggest change is the move from the M2 chip to the more powerful M5, though the headset remains largely unchanged in design and functionality. Still, Apple has introduced a few other upgrades worth noting, so we’re here to show you exactly what is different and what stays the same.
Processor: A Faster Chip
This is by far the biggest upgrade, a jump of three processor generations from the original Vision Pro’s M2 (used in the 2022 MacBook Air and iPad Pro) to the new version’s M5 (also available in the latest MacBook Pro and iPad Pro models). We’ve yet to benchmark the M5 in any way, but we can examine how much performance has changed between two generations, specifically comparing the M2 and the M4 on the 2024 iPad Pro and the 2025 MacBook Air.
The new Vision Pro uses Apple’s M5 and R1 chips (Credit: Apple)
On Geekbench 6, the M2-powered iPad Pro got a single-core score of 2,545 and a multi-core score of 9,505. The M4-powered iPad Pro achieved 3,679 single-core and 14,647 multi-core scores. That’s a significant leap by the numbers, and the M5 will likely do even better. Mixed reality headsets are quite different from tablets and laptops, though, and we can’t be sure how much of a performance improvement the M5 chip will offer on the updated Vision Pro. However, in terms of raw power, it’ll likely be a significant increase.
Both the M2 and M5 are paired with Apple’s R1 chip for spatial processing, so the actual motion-tracking and environment-scanning functions will likely remain unchanged. Individual apps should benefit from the faster CPU, and this may offer a better experience when using multiple apps simultaneously (especially those that primarily use 2D windows rather than spatial computing). For reference, Apple says third-party apps will run twice as fast on the new Vision Pro compared with the original model.
Design: A More Supportive Band
The M5 Vision Pro with the Dual Knit Band (Credit: Apple)
Both headsets appear to be physically identical, at least in terms of the main hardware. They’re sleek aluminum-bodied facemasks with curved glass exteriors, reminiscent of the Apple Watch.
The M5 Vision Pro is getting a design upgrade with a new Dual Knit Band headband. The original Vision Pro came with a Dual Loop Band that supports the device across the top and back of the head using narrow and stiff straps, and a Solo Knit Band featuring a nicer-feeling, wider fabric strap that runs only along the back of the head. Neither is an ideal setup, and they both make the headset feel very front-heavy. The Dual Knit Band appears to be the best of both worlds, potentially better distributing the weight of the headset and resolving one of the biggest complaints about the Vision Pro’s design.
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Display: A Faster Refresh Rate
The M2 Vision Pro’s lenses (Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
You won’t get a sharper or more colorful picture on the new Vision Pro, as it uses the same 23-million-pixel, 92% DCI-P3, micro-OLED display as the original. Your view might move more smoothly, though, as Apple says the upgraded headset supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate compared with the previous version’s 100Hz. This appears to be entirely due to the M5’s power rather than the display itself. More fluid and consistent movement can reduce the risk of motion sickness, which is beneficial.
Battery: A Half Hour More
The new Vision Pro can last even longer than the original Vision Pro, providing up to two and a half hours of general use or three hours of video playback. Yeah, it’s still not great, but that’s a good 30 minutes more than the original Vision Pro.
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What Remains the Same?
The M5-powered 2025 Vision Pro is otherwise identical to the 2024 Vision Pro.
The interface and general experience will be identical for both versions of the Vision Pro (Credit: Apple)
Both run on VisionOS 26, feature the same intuitive eye and hand tracking controls, and offer the most advanced mixed reality interface we’ve seen to date. Storage options remain unchanged at 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB, and both versions include 18mm f/2.0 stereoscopic 3D main cameras, six world-facing tracking cameras, and four eye-tracking cameras. Connectivity is the same as well, with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, and the price holds steady at a premium $3,499.
I haven’t tested the new Vision Pro yet, but if you already have a Vision Pro, I doubt the upgrade would be so amazing that it would justify spending another three and a half grand just a year after you got the first one. Either way, the Vision Pro remains the most advanced mixed reality headset available, and the 2025 version’s improved chip is a welcome upgrade. I look forward to putting it to the test, so check back soon for a full review and definitive buying advice.
