Apple Vision Pro with M5 chip: Faster, clearer, better

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With the new Apple Vision Pro, Apple presents a redesigned version of its spatial computing device, enhanced in almost every area. The powerful M5 chip delivers increased speed, sharper rendering, longer battery life, and smoother AI workflows. At the same time, the new dual-band knit fabric significantly improves comfort. Combined with the visionOS 26 operating system, the new generation of Apple Vision Pro unlocks even more immersive experiences, new apps, and exclusive content in Apple Immersive Video.

The Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip is more than a simple update. It represents a decisive step forward for the entire concept of spatial computing. The new chip enables faster processes, improved graphics performance, and more efficient AI functions, while the new knitted fabric band ensures greater balance and stability. VisionOS 26 adds additional features such as widgets, improved personas, generative AI scenes, and new immersive content. In the area of sustainability, Apple also continues to focus on recycled materials and energy-efficient production.

M5 Chip: More performance in every dimension

The new M5 chip delivers a significant performance leap over its predecessor. It's based on the third generation of 3-nanometer technology and features a 10-core CPU, which ensures greater multithreaded performance. This means apps run faster, the system responds more smoothly, and loading times are significantly reduced.

The new 10-core GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading. These technologies ensure more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflection effects—for example, in games like Control. The M5 also renders ten percent more pixels on the Micro-OLED displays, making text and visuals appear even clearer and more detailed. The refresh rate of up to 120 Hz reduces motion blur and ensures smooth rendering, especially when using the virtual Mac display.

The M5 works closely with the custom-developed R1 chip, which processes data from twelve cameras, five sensors, and six microphones in real time. New images are transmitted to the displays within twelve milliseconds, providing a virtually instantaneous view of the surroundings.

The battery supports up to two and a half hours of general use and up to three hours of video playback. When plugged in, the Vision Pro can be used indefinitely. The 16-core Neural Engine ensures that AI-based processes run up to 50 percent faster than before. This makes everything—from persona creation to spatial photo processing—noticeably more efficient.

The Dual Band made of knitted fabric: More comfort, better fit

A key feature of the new Apple Vision Pro is the redesigned Dual Knit Band. It's specifically engineered to ensure extended wear comfort. The band is made of a full-length 3D ribbed fabric that's padded, breathable, and stretchy.

The lower band features elastic ribs with tungsten inserts that act as counterweights, providing better balance and stability. A dual dial allows for precise fit adjustment. The new band is available in sizes S, M, and L, can be purchased separately, and is compatible with the previous generation Apple Vision Pro. The right size can be easily determined using the Apple Store app on your iPhone.

visionOS 26: New software, new possibilities

With visionOS 26, Apple significantly expands the spatial experience. Widgets can be freely placed in the room and appear automatically when you put on the Vision Pro. This allows you to keep the time, weather, or music in your field of view at all times.

The improved personas make video calls in FaceTime more natural and realistic. Generative AI adds depth to photos and brings 3D scenes to life. Videos in 180 or 360 degrees can be experienced in their full quality, and creators can publish such content directly via apps like Safari or Vimeo.

iPadOS 26.1 also brings the Vision Pro app for the iPad. It lets you browse content, manage apps, and prepare games.

New content, games and apps

Over a million apps are available for the Apple Vision Pro, including more than 3,000 developed specifically for visionOS. They cover a wide range of areas – from home design with HomeByMe and fashion experiences with Balenciaga to art galleries at the Art Authority Museum and virtual explorations in Epic Earth.

The entertainment offering is also enormous. With Apple Immersive Video, Apple offers exclusive 3D and 180-degree content in categories such as documentaries, music, adventure, and sports. New series and films—including live NBA games—are added regularly. In Germany, over 200 3D films are available in the Apple TV app, including current blockbusters such as Superman, Jurassic World: Resurrection, How to Train Your Dragon, and Wicked.

When it comes to gaming, the Vision Pro takes full advantage of its technical strengths: high-resolution displays, 3D audio, low latency, and support for various controllers, including the PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller. Games like Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss, Sniper Elite 4, Pickle Pro, and Spatial Rifts demonstrate what's possible with the new hardware.

New opportunities for professionals and companies

The Apple Vision Pro is aimed not only at entertainment fans, but also at professional users and businesses. Artists create works with Crayon or Da Vinci Eye, photographers edit images with Pixelmator on the virtual Mac display, and filmmakers explore filming locations in spatial media.

The Logitech Muse, a digital pen specifically designed for the Vision Pro, ensures creative precision. It lets you create sketches, 3D objects, or designs with precise control. Apps like Sketch Pro and Spatial Analogue will soon support Muse.

Companies like Porsche and CAE are already using the Apple Vision Pro in their daily work. Porsche visualizes new vehicle models in showrooms, while CAE enables pilots to complete realistic training scenarios outside of dedicated centers. The Vision Pro is also being used in the medical field – for example, at Visage, where high-resolution 3D images assist doctors in patient care.

Sustainability: Design with responsibility

The Apple Vision Pro is part of the Apple 2030 sustainability program. Apple aims to be completely carbon neutral by the end of the decade. The case and battery are made from 100 percent recycled aluminum, the magnets contain recycled rare earth elements, and the battery uses recycled cobalt.

The packaging is made entirely of fiber-based materials and is easily recycled. The Vision Pro meets all of Apple's high standards for energy efficiency and safety.

Price, availability and accessories

The Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip is available starting at €3,699 including VAT. Models are available with 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB of storage. It can be pre-ordered now at apple.com. The official launch is October 22, 2025.

The knit Dual Band is also available individually for €115. The Apple Vision Pro Travel Case costs €219. For users with prescription lenses, there are ZEISS Optical Inserts – Readers for €115 and Prescription for €169.

The Logitech Muse can be pre-ordered for €139.95 and will be released alongside the Vision Pro. Demos of the new Vision Pro can be booked at Apple Stores. New features such as the Spatial Gallery app, Apple Intelligence tools, and previews of Apple Immersive Experiences are also available there.

Apple Vision Pro sets the new standard

With the new Apple Vision Pro, Apple is demonstrating the direction spatial computing is taking. The M5 chip, the redesigned knit band, and visionOS 26 make the headset more powerful, comfortable, and versatile than ever before. Whether for work, entertainment, or creative projects, the Vision Pro combines everything in a system that redefines technology. It's not just another product in the Apple portfolio, but the foundation of a new class of device. One in which the room itself becomes the screen—clearer, smarter, and more immersive than ever before. (Image: Apple)