Apple recently gave its flagship mixed-reality headset a substantial boost — introducing the M5 chip and bundling a new Dual Knit Band for improved comfort. In this blog-style review & comparison, we’ll break down what changes, what works, and whether it’s worth the upgrade. (Est. ~700 words)
📦 What’s New: M2 → M5 & a Smarter Strap
At first glance, the Vision Pro’s exterior hasn’t changed. But beneath the hood, things are different. The M5 chip replaces the original M2, built on a 3 nm process, offering better efficiency and performance. TechRadar+3UploadVR+39to5Mac+3
With the M5, Apple claims:
- 10% more pixels rendered on the micro-OLED displays, giving sharper visuals. UploadVR+5UploadVR+5Tom’s Guide+5
- Support for 120 Hz refresh rate, up from ~100 Hz on M2, reducing motion blur and increasing fluidity. UploadVR+5TechRadar+5Tom’s Guide+5
- AI tasks like generating Personas, spatial photos, and system features run ~50% faster. TechRadar+3UploadVR+39to5Mac+3
- Slight boost in battery life: up to 2.5 hours general use and 3 hours video playback. TechRadar+4Gizmodo+4UploadVR+4
Complementing this, the new Dual Knit Band replaces the previous strap combo (Solo Knit + Dual Loop) and is now standard with the M5 model. UploadVR+5UploadVR+59to5Mac+5
Its features:
- Upper + lower straps knitted as a single 3D structure, giving cushioning, stretch, and breathable support. UploadVR+39to5Mac+3Tom’s Guide+3
- Lower strap includes tungsten inserts to act as counterweights, balancing headset weight. UploadVR+1
- A dual-function Fit Dial for fine adjustment, and sizes in small/medium/large. Tom’s Guide+29to5Mac+2
- The band is compatible with original M2 Vision Pro as a $99 accessory. TechRadar+3AppleInsider+3UploadVR+3
🔍 Performance & Daily Use: What You’ll Actually Feel
Visuals & Motion
With 10% more pixels and a 120 Hz refresh ceiling, the M5 version delivers crisper images and smoother motion, especially in fast-moving content or when using the passthrough / AR mode. TechRadar+39to5Mac+3Tom’s Guide+3
Gaming and immersive apps may benefit more: the next-gen GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, opening doors for more realistic lighting and effects. Tom’s Guide+3UploadVR+39to5Mac+3
AI & Responsiveness
Features like Personas, spatial photo rendering, and system animations react quicker. Apple claims ~50% faster performance in such tasks. 9to5Mac+3UploadVR+3Tom’s Guide+3
Multitasking with multiple windows and apps should feel more fluid, with fewer lags or hiccups compared to the M2 model. UploadVR+3Tom’s Guide+39to5Mac+3
Comfort & Wearability
This is a major battleground. The Vision Pro is relatively heavy (600–650 g for the M2 generation). Wikipedia+2UploadVR+2
The new Dual Knit Band aims to distribute that weight more evenly, combining features of past bands. Early reactions indicate it’s more comfortable for longer sessions, though users with neck fatigue may still notice strain. UploadVR+3TechRadar+3AppleInsider+3
Because the M5 model keeps the body design the same, weight isn’t reduced — the strap is the difference. UploadVR+2Tom’s Guide+2
Battery & Tethering
Battery life sees a modest improvement — ~30 minutes extra — but the battery pack is unchanged, and the headset still requires a tethered battery in many use cases. TechRadar+3UploadVR+39to5Mac+3
For extended sessions beyond battery life, external power or spare packs are still essential.
📊 How It Stands vs M2 Model & Rivals
vs M2 Vision Pro
- Better visuals (pixels + refresh)
- Faster AI & system responses
- Improved comfort via strap
- Slight battery gain
- Same form, same weight
vs Competing AR/VR Headsets
Apple’s strength is the ecosystem, polish, and premium experience. But rivals may undercut in price or offer lighter builds. The M5 update keeps Apple competitive.
Samsung’s upcoming XR headset (Project Moohan) is expected to debut Oct 21, 2025 — a direct competitor. The Verge+2TechRadar+2
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons
Pros:
- Sharper visuals, smoother motion
- Faster AI & overall responsiveness
- More comfortable strap design
- Compatible upgrade option for M2 users
Cons:
- No weight reduction on the headset
- Battery gains are modest
- High price remains (no change)
- Long sessions may still be taxing on neck
🛒 Price, Availability & Add-Ons
- The new Vision Pro with M5 starts at $3,499, same as the previous model. Tom’s Guide+3UploadVR+39to5Mac+3
- Dual Knit Band costs $99 and is available separately in the Apple Store. 9to5Mac+3AppleInsider+3UploadVR+3
- Apple also now lists Logitech Muse (spatial stylus) and PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers as accessories. AppleInsider+1
If you already own the M2 version, upgrading strap + maybe a battery add-on might give you ~70–80% of the benefits at lower cost than full replacement.
🧭 Who Should Upgrade — and Who Should Wait
Upgrade if you:
- Demand top-tier visuals and fluid performance
- Use Persona, spatial apps, or content creation where responsiveness matters
- Want improved comfort for extended sessions
Consider waiting if you:
- Already own the M2 version and are okay with its performance
- Are highly sensitive to weight/neck strain
- Want a lighter, cheaper variant (rumors suggest one could arrive in coming years)
📬 Subscription & Accessory Suggestion
To fully enjoy what Vision Pro offers:
- Apple One / iCloud+ Subscription: Seamless synchronization of spatial photos, apps, and backup across Apple devices
- Apple Vision Pro Content Pass (if available): Curated immersive content, VR movies, spatial apps — keep up with new releases
- Accessory Pack: Invest in spare batteries, carrying cases, and the Dual Knit Band (if not already included)
🔮 Final Verdict
The Apple Vision Pro with M5 + Dual Knit Band is not a revolution in form, but a thoughtful evolution. It addresses real pain points—visual fidelity, performance, comfort—without sacrificing the premium experience Apple is known for.
If your budget allows, and you aim for longer immersive sessions or creative workflows, the upgrade is compelling. For the casual user, the M2 edition still holds strong value. But for those who live at the bleeding edge, the M5 version becomes the new gold standard.
