Apple upgrades Vision Pro with M5 chip, new band & visionOS 26

Apple has introduced an upgraded version of its Vision Pro headset featuring the M5 chip, improvements to display rendering and battery life, a more comfortable Dual Knit Band, and new features within visionOS 26.

M5 chip performance

The addition of Apple's M5 chip marks a significant step up in processing power for the Vision Pro, built with third-generation 3-nanometre technology. The M5 features a 10-core CPU for higher multithreaded performance, supporting more responsive workflows and faster app loading throughout the system. A new 10-core GPU brings hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, enhancing graphical detail in supported games and applications.

Display rendering has also been upgraded, with the new chip allowing Vision Pro to render 10 per cent more pixels on the custom micro-OLED displays relative to the previous model. Images and text now appear sharper with more detailed visuals. The refresh rate can reach up to 120Hz, resulting in reduced motion blur and a smoother Mac Virtual Display experience.

Battery life improvements are also part of the upgrade. The headset supports up to two and a half hours of general use and up to three hours of video playback on a single charge, according to Apple. Users may extend usage sessions by connecting the battery to an external power source.

Apple's dedicated R1 chip continues to play a supporting role, processing data from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones, delivering images to the displays within 12 milliseconds for a real-time view of the environment. The device also includes a 16-core Neural Engine, making AI-powered features up to 50 per cent faster for built-in experiences and up to twice as fast for some third-party apps.

"With the breakthrough performance of M5, the latest Apple Vision Pro delivers faster performance, sharper details throughout the system, and even more battery life, setting a new standard for what's possible in spatial computing," said Bob Borchers, Apple's Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing. "Paired with the comfortable Dual Knit Band, innovative features in visionOS 26, and all-new Apple Immersive experiences spanning adventure, documentary, music, and sports, spatial computing is even more capable, entertaining, and magical with the new Vision Pro."

Dual Knit Band

The new Dual Knit Band attached to the Vision Pro aims to improve comfort. This band is 3D-knitted as a single piece and features upper and lower straps for cushioning and breathability. Flexible fabric ribs, reinforced with tungsten inserts in the lower strap, act as a counterweight for improved balance and stability. An adjustable Fit Dial allows users to fine-tune the fit. The Dual Knit Band is compatible with both the new and previous generations of Vision Pro and is available in small, medium, and large sizes. It can also be purchased separately.

visionOS 26 features

visionOS 26 brings new spatial experiences to Vision Pro users. Widgets can now integrate more seamlessly into users' environments, reappearing whenever Vision Pro is worn and providing instant access to information and functionality such as checking the time, viewing weather updates, or playing media. Enhancements to the Persona feature make communication in apps like FaceTime more natural, with spatial scenes generated by AI adding depth to photos.

Video playback capabilities have also expanded, with support for 180-degree, 360-degree, and wide field-of-view videos from action cameras now available. iPadOS 26.1, releasing later this year, will bring the Apple Vision Pro app to iPad devices, providing an additional method for users to discover apps, games, and tips.

Apps and content

The App Store now hosts more than 1 million apps for Vision Pro, with over 3,000 designed specifically for visionOS. Available apps span a range of use cases, from home design and fashion to art exploration and education. The headset also offers access to hundreds of 3D movies via the Apple TV app and a variety of new series and immersive experiences within Apple Immersive, with upcoming content from companies including the Audi F1 Project, the BBC, HYBE, and Red Bull.

Gaming on Vision Pro benefits from the device's high-resolution displays, spatial audio, low latency, and compatibility with multiple input methods. Popular game controllers such as Sony DualSense now support multidevice pairing. PlayStation VR2 Sense controller compatibility has also arrived, allowing for immersive gaming experiences supported by motion tracking and vibration feedback.

Professional and enterprise uses

For professional users, Vision Pro offers tools for artists, photographers, filmmakers, and presenters. Apps, including Pixelmator and Keynote, enable creative and collaborative workflows. Logitech Muse, a digital pencil designed for the headset, is supported by applications such as Crayon, doppl by Interaptix, Sketch Pro, and Spatial Analogueue.

Large organisations continue to utilise Vision Pro for tasks spanning design, education, and medical imaging. Examples include CAE's pilot training solutions and Porsche's use of the headset for vehicle visualisation and customisation. Hospitals such as UC San Diego Health employ the device to enhance patient care with three-dimensional medical imaging.

Environmental considerations

Apple notes that the materials used in Vision Pro, including recycled aluminium and rare earth elements, form part of its carbon neutrality commitment for 2030. The frame and battery enclosure use 100 per cent recycled aluminium, magnets are produced from recycled rare earth elements, and the battery utilises recycled cobalt. The device's packaging is fully recyclable and fibre-based.

Pricing and availability

Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip and Dual Knit Band starts at an RRP of AUD $5,999 for the 256GB model and is available in 512GB and 1TB configurations. The device is available to pre-order in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UAE, the UK, and the US, with additional launches in China mainland and Singapore to follow. The Dual Knit Band can be purchased separately for AUD $169, while additional accessories such as the Vision Pro Travel Case and ZEISS Optical Inserts are also available.