Video: Testing the New M5 Apple Vision Pro

Apple recently refreshed the Apple Vision Pro, adding a new M5 chip for improved performance. There aren't design changes, but Apple did introduce a new Dual Knit Band that's supposed to be more comfortable. MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera picked up one of the new Vision Pro headsets to see how it compares to the prior-generation M2 versions.


Software and hardware are the same if you've been using visionOS 26, but with the M5 chip, performance is noticeably improved. Creating a Persona, generating spatial photos, and using multiple apps at once are all tasks that are quicker.

Apple didn't update the micro-OLED displays in the Vision Pro, but the M5 is able to render 10 percent more pixels and it supports a 120Hz refresh rate, so things look smoother than before. Mac Virtual Display, where the Vision Pro works as a screen for your Mac, looks like two sharp 5K displays side-by-side. Personalized Spatial Audio support adds more accurate directionality for more immersive audio.

To improve the wearing experience, the Vision Pro ships with a Dual Knit Band that replaces the prior Solo Knit Band and Dual Loop that came with the ‌M2‌ model. The Dual Knit Band has a strap that goes over the top of the head and one at the back of the head, which allows for better weight distribution. The back band has weights inside for counterbalance, and it does make a difference in how it feels.

The top and bottom straps can be adjusted using an updated Fit Dial, so each Vision Pro wearer can get an ideal fit. The Dual Knit Band isn't a miracle fix, so while it does make the Vision Pro a little more comfortable to wear, it's still a heavy headset. The M5 Vision Pro continues to be priced at $3,499, and it can be purchased from Apple. ‌M2‌ Vision Pro owners can buy the Dual Knit Band standalone for $99.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.1 Coming Soon: New Features for Your iPhone and Release Date

Monday October 27, 2025 7:55 am PDT by
The upcoming iOS 26.1 update includes a handful of new features and changes for iPhones, including a toggle for changing the appearance of the Liquid Glass design, "slide to stop" for alarms in the Clock app, and more. Below, we outline key details about iOS 26.1. Release Date Given that Apple has yet to seed an iOS 26.1 Release Candidate, which is typically the final beta version, the...
iOS 26

6 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 26.1

Wednesday October 29, 2025 4:22 am PDT by
Apple is about to drop iOS 26.1, the first major point release since iOS 26 was rolled out in September, and there are at least six notable changes and improvements to look forward to. We've rounded them up below. Apple has already provided developers and public beta testers with the release candidate version of iOS 26.1, which means Apple will likely roll out the update to all compatible...
maxresdefault

Apple TV 4K Could Still Launch Before 2025 Ends: All the Rumored Features

Monday October 27, 2025 4:51 pm PDT by
Apple is designing an updated version of the Apple TV 4K, and rumors suggest that it could come out sometime in the next couple of months. We're not expecting a major overhaul with design changes, but even a simple chip upgrade will bring major improvements to Apple's set-top box. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. We've rounded up all the latest Apple TV rumors. ...
iOS 26

Apple Seeds iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1 Release Candidates

Tuesday October 28, 2025 1:07 pm PDT by
Apple today provided developers and public beta testers with the release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, tvOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 updates for testing purposes. The RCs betas come a week after Apple released the fourth betas. The new betas can be downloaded from the Settings app on a compatible device by going to General > Software...
M6 MacBook Pro Feature 1

M6 MacBook Pro: Release Date, Pricing, and What to Expect

Monday October 27, 2025 9:15 am PDT by
Apple this month refreshed the 14-inch MacBook Pro base model with its new M5 chip, and higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to follow in early 2026. However, these machines will represent the final update to the current design, with Apple reportedly developing a completely new version of the MacBook Pro packed with next-generation hardware...
iPhone 17 Pro Cosmic Orange

8 Reasons to Wait for Next Year's iPhone 18 Pro

Thursday October 30, 2025 4:42 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models at the same time, which is why we often get rumored features months ahead of launch. The iPhone 18 series is no different, and we already have a good idea of what to expect for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth...
macos tahoe

Here Are Apple's Release Notes for macOS Tahoe 26.1

Tuesday October 28, 2025 1:21 pm PDT by
Apple today provided developers and public beta testers with the release candidate version of macOS Tahoe 26.1, which means the update will likely see a public launch next week. The release candidate includes notes on what's in the update, so we have a full picture of the new features that Apple has included. macOS Tahoe 26.1 adds AutoMix support over AirPlay, improved FaceTime audio...
iPhone Car Key Kia

Another Vehicle Brand Gaining iPhone Car Keys Support

Tuesday October 28, 2025 5:27 am PDT by
Apple is preparing to bring support for its digital car key feature to Jetour vehicles, according to evidence uncovered on Apple's backend by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. Introduced in 2022, Car Keys allows an iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock a vehicle through the Wallet app. A digital version of a car key is stored in Wallet, and unlocking can be done by holding an Apple Watch or...
ipad mini 7 feature blue

OLED iPad Mini: Release Date, Pricing, and What to Expect

Wednesday October 29, 2025 7:13 am PDT by
Rumors are stoking excitement for the next-generation iPad mini that Apple is reportedly close to launching. So what should we expect from the successor to the iPad mini 7 that Apple released over a year ago? Read on to find out. Processor and Performance Apple is working on a next-generation version of the iPad mini (codename J510/J511) that features the A19 Pro chip, according to...

Top Rated Comments

PBG4 Dude Avatar
11 hours ago at 01:02 pm

I wouldn't mind trying this out in the store, but I still don't think I'd buy one.
If nothing else, it’s an amazing tech demo. Apple’s immersive video has to be seen to be believed. It’s far beyond a 3D movie.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vantelimus Avatar
10 hours ago at 01:38 pm
I upgraded from M2 to M5. This is a very fair review. I can't disagree with any of the things the reviewer said. His final point was important–most people will find it not worth the price. For me, if it weren't for the Mac Virtual Display, this would be a device I would use once or twice a week to consume immersive video or look at 3D-rendered old photos. If that were the only use, $3500 is too steep. However, as the superior display for my Macs, the ability to isolate myself in an environment while I work, and the freedom to take that experience into any room or on the road, it is worth the price. As I've said in other postings, I won't go back to regular desktop displays unless forced.

On some other things the review covered...

I agree that everything just works a bit smoother. With the M2, I would get an occasional stutter or video tear when using a lot of apps and moving my Mac Virtual Display around. It wasn't a big problem, but it isn't happening now.

I am one of those people who will wear the headset for hours at a time, including all day. I didn't have a problem with the old strap, so I was surprised to find that the new strap does noticeably improve the experience by allowing you to take some of the weight off the front of your face. The dial control is slick.

The persona is better. Unfortunately it accurately captures the fact that I look a year older. The VisionOS 1.0 on the M2 with less detail was better for my ego. I haven't had a chance yet to use FaceTime with it. I'm looking forward to that.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
usersince86 Avatar
11 hours ago at 01:06 pm
Though I'll probably never own one, I'm grateful for the Vision Pro, knowing that today’s "niche" innovations often shape the future of widely adopted products.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Hogswarts Avatar
10 hours ago at 01:34 pm

Are they still demoing in the stores? My local store took down the display about six months after the first model released and never brought it back out.
I've not seen an Apple Store without the AVP on display to demo. (3 out of 3 stores)
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple-achian Avatar
11 hours ago at 01:17 pm
Apple paying the price of being the innovator as usual.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rychiar Avatar
11 hours ago at 01:19 pm
I'm so torn on whether to upgrade. would be a pretty solid tax write off for the year
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)