Apple recently announced a significant refresh for its groundbreaking Vision Pro headset. While retaining the core innovations from its 2023 debut, this updated mixed reality device now boasts the cutting-edge Apple M5 chipset. Beyond the powerful new silicon, the tech giant has also introduced a re-engineered Dual Knit Band, promising a noticeably more comfortable and snug fit. Naturally, this latest iteration arrives pre-loaded with visionOS 26 and all its exciting new features, ready to enhance your immersive experiences.
Pricing and Availability of the New Vision Pro with M5 Chip
True to its predecessor, the refreshed Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip begins at a price point of $3,499 (approximately Rs. 3.07 lakh) for the entry-level model featuring 256GB of storage. This base package thoughtfully includes the new Dual Knit Band. For those needing more space, 512GB and 1TB storage configurations are available, priced at $3,699 (around Rs. 3.25 lakh) and $3,899 (roughly Rs. 3.43 lakh), respectively.
Currently, eager customers can pre-order the device in numerous regions, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UAE, the UK, and the US. Apple plans to kick off in-store sales at its US Apple Stores starting October 22nd.
For added convenience, the Dual Knit Band can also be purchased separately for $99 (about Rs. 8,700). Additionally, users requiring vision correction can acquire Zeiss optical inserts tailored for the mixed reality headset. Reader lenses are priced at $99 (approximately Rs. 8,700), while custom prescription inserts cost $149 (around Rs. 13,000).
Under the Hood: Specifications of the M5-Powered Vision Pro
Apple states that the new M5 chipset empowers the Vision Pro to render an impressive 10 percent more pixels on its stunning micro-OLED displays compared to its predecessor. This upgrade also pushes the refresh rate up to a fluid 120Hz, significantly reducing motion blur and delivering an incredibly smooth experience, especially when using the Mac Virtual Display feature. This powerful new Apple silicon processor works in tandem with the integrated R1 chip to ensure new images are streamed to the displays in a mere 12 milliseconds.
Built on an advanced 3nm fabrication process, the M5 chip within the Apple Vision Pro boasts a robust 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. Crucially, it supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading. According to Apple, these capabilities allow developers to craft richer, more detailed lighting, shadows, and reflections in visually demanding, ray-traced games like Control.
Furthermore, the latest Vision Pro, driven by the M5 chip, incorporates a potent 16-core Neural Engine. This dedicated AI hardware is engineered to make AI-powered features run a remarkable 50 percent faster for system applications compared to the previous generation, and it’s twice as fast for third-party apps. Apple also highlights the M5’s positive impact on battery life, with the Vision Pro now offering up to two and a half hours of general usage and an extended three hours for video playback on a single charge.
Alongside these performance enhancements, Apple has also introduced the innovative Dual Knit Band for the Vision Pro. This new band features a unique construction where upper and lower straps are 3D-knitted into a single piece, forming a dual-rib structure. This design significantly boosts cushioning, breathability, and overall stretch. A convenient dual-function Fit Dial is also integrated, allowing users to make quick, on-the-fly adjustments for a perfectly tailored and comfortable fit.