In a largely expected development, Apple has just unveiled a refreshed version of its Vision Pro headset, powered by the new M5 chip and a "soft, cushioned Dual Knit Band to help users achieve an even more comfortable fit."
Apple's New Vision Pro: M5 Chip, A New Cushioned Knit Band, VisionOS 26, And New Apple Intelligence Features
Apple has just introduced a ton of new features with the refreshed Vision Pro, including:
The M5 Chip
A faster, smoother experience with the new M5 chip, which features a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, which allows for "hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, enabling developers to add remarkable detail to lighting, shadows, and reflections in games like Control."
- With the M5 chip, the new Apple Vision Pro renders "10 percent more pixels on the custom micro-OLED displays compared to the previous generation, resulting in a sharper image with crisper text and more detailed visuals."
- The 16-core Neural Engine makes AI-powered features run up to 50 percent faster for system experiences and up to 2x faster for third-party apps compared to the previous generation.
Other Notable Features:
- The Vision Pro can also now increase its refresh rate to 120Hz, enabling reduced motion blur.
- 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.
- The high-performance battery now supports up to two and a half hours of general use, and up to three hours of video playback, all on a single charge.
Dual Knit Band
The Dual Knit band features upper and lower straps that are 3D-knitted as a single piece to create a unique dual-rib structure that provides cushioning, breathability, and stretch.
- The lower strap features flexible fabric ribs embedded with tungsten inserts that provide a counterweight for additional comfort, balance, and stability.
- The band comes in small, medium, and large sizes.
- Can be purchased separately.
- Remains compatible with the previous iteration of the Vision Pro.
VisionOS 26
VisionOS 26 brings new spatial experiences to the refreshed Vision Pro, replete with bespoke widgets that make it easy to check the time or weather, play music or podcasts, decorate their space with photos, or access ChatGPT.
- Enhancements to Persona - a dynamic, digital avatar - make communicating in apps like FaceTime feel even more natural and familiar.
- Spatial scenes can now use generative AI to add lifelike depth to photos.
- Users can play back 180-degree, 360-degree, and wide field-of-view video from popular action cameras.
App Ecosystem
There are over 1 million apps available for Apple Vision Pro, including more than 3,000 apps built for visionOS.
- Using Apple’s Foundation Models framework, the new JigSpace app for Vision Pro taps into the on-device model at the core of Apple Intelligence to make complex information easier to understand.
- Vision Pro users can enjoy new series and films on the Apple TV app.
Gamers Rejoice!
The headset enables support for the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller, allowing players to enjoy a new class of immersive games with high-performance motion tracking in six degrees of freedom, finger touch detection, and vibration support.
- Elu Legend, Pickle Pro, Ping Pong Club, and Spatial Rifts are some of the first games available with support for the PlayStation VR2 controller.
Pro and Enterprise Users Get Enhanced Utility
The headset brings enhanced capabilities for Pro and enterprise users, including:
- Pro users can assemble and rehearse their presentations while in a seat-for-seat replica of the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park using Keynote.
- With Logitech Muse — a digital pencil built for Vision Pro — users can create and collaborate with a new level of precision.
- CAE, the multinational technology company that specializes in simulation and instruction solutions, now uses Vision Pro headsets to help pilots complete training activities outside of specialized centers.
Pricing And Availability Details
- 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.
About the author: Writing is my one incontrovertible passion. Over the past six years, he has authored over 2,200 distinct articles on financial and tech-related topics, spanning nearly 1 million words. And he has been a member of Wcctech mobile team since 2025. As an alumnus of the University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce Program, I bring nuance, in-depth knowledge, and a unique perspective to every topic that I cover. When I'm not writing, I'm traveling the world, exploring hidden confectionaries and restaurants as an aspiring food connoisseur.
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