Apple just upgraded the Vision Pro with an M5 chip and new strap, bringing a major performance boost and improved comfort to its premium mixed-reality headset. The latest update focuses on smoother visuals, faster AI features, and a better fit — all without changing the overall design.

Faster Performance With The New M5 Chip

The new M5 chip inside the Vision Pro delivers significant gains over the original M2 version. Apple says users can expect faster processing, sharper graphics, and more responsive controls when navigating through apps or watching immersive content.

The M5 enables 10 percent more pixels to be rendered on the OLED displays, providing a noticeably crisper image. It also boosts refresh rates from 100Hz to 120Hz, offering smoother visuals for gaming and AR experiences. AI-driven features, such as spatial photos and Personas, are up to 50 percent faster, making the Vision Pro feel more fluid and lifelike.

Improved Battery Life And Efficiency

One of the biggest user complaints about the original Vision Pro was its short battery life. With this upgrade, Apple has managed to extend general use to 2.5 hours and video playback to three hours — about 30 minutes more than before. That’s a meaningful boost for users who rely on the headset for productivity or entertainment sessions.

The M5 chip’s improved efficiency contributes to these gains, optimizing energy use without sacrificing performance.

Meet The New Dual Knit Strap

Alongside the M5 upgrade, Apple introduced a redesigned Dual Knit Strap, available for $99. The company says it provides a more balanced and comfortable fit, reducing pressure during long sessions. Early impressions suggest the strap better distributes the headset’s weight, addressing one of the Vision Pro’s biggest ergonomic challenges.

Apple is emphasizing comfort as a key part of this update, clearly responding to user feedback from the first-generation model.

Availability And Pricing

The upgraded Vision Pro with the M5 chip officially launches on October 22nd, keeping its $3,499 price tag. This means early adopters get better value for the same cost — a rare move for Apple, which often ties performance upgrades to higher pricing tiers.

For those who already own a Vision Pro, the new Dual Knit Strap can be purchased separately. However, users who want the M5 performance gains will need to buy the updated headset, as Apple isn’t offering an upgrade path for existing devices.

Why This Matters For Apple’s Mixed Reality Strategy

Apple’s decision to refresh the Vision Pro so soon signals a clear commitment to improving its spatial computing platform. The M5 chip not only enhances performance but also lays the groundwork for future AR and AI integrations across Apple’s ecosystem.

With competitors like Meta pushing new Quest headsets and Samsung preparing its “Moohan” launch, Apple’s update helps it maintain an edge in the premium mixed-reality market.

Apple just upgraded the Vision Pro with an M5 chip and new strap, showing that the company is serious about refining its spatial computing vision. Faster performance, better visuals, and a more comfortable design all make this iteration more appealing for both early adopters and professionals.

The next question is whether these improvements — and the same $3,499 price — are enough to expand the Vision Pro’s user base.