Apple’s updated Vision Pro (M5) headset officially launches this Wednesday, and first impressions from reviewers suggest that Apple has addressed one of the biggest complaints about the original model: comfort.
While the new M5 chip offers modest speed and rendering improvements, the addition of a redesigned Dual Knit Band delivers a tangible difference in daily use. Reviewers describe the experience as “vastly more comfortable,” with better weight balance and reduced face pressure — even if the headset remains heavy compared to rivals like Meta’s Quest 3.
Introduction to the Vision Pro (M5) Update
The 2025 Vision Pro is Apple’s first major hardware revision since its debut earlier this year. Externally, little has changed — but internally, the headset gains the M5 chip, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a more ergonomic Dual Knit Band.
The new M5 chip, with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, brings faster sustained performance and improved rendering for visionOS. Meanwhile, the Dual Knit Band, designed with dual straps and tungsten counterweights, aims to distribute the headset’s 1.6-pound weight more evenly across the head.
“It’s not just a performance upgrade — it’s a comfort upgrade,” said Mark Spoonauer, Editor-in-Chief of Tom’s Guide. “After 30 minutes, I felt less pressure near my eyes and no neck strain, which is a huge step forward.”
Key Features and Enhancements
| Feature | 2025 Vision Pro (M5) | 2024 Vision Pro (M2) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M5 (10-core CPU / 10-core GPU / 16-core Neural Engine) | M2 |
| Display | Dual 4K micro-OLED, 120Hz refresh rate | Dual 4K micro-OLED, 100Hz |
| RAM | 16GB unified memory | 16GB unified memory |
| Battery Life | Up to 3 hours (video), 2.5 hours (mixed use) | Up to 2.5 hours (video), 2 hours (mixed use) |
| Comfort | Dual Knit Band with tungsten counterweight | Solo Knit Band |
| Weight | ~1.6 pounds (without battery) | ~1.5 pounds |
| Price (US) | Starts at $3,499 | Starts at $3,499 |
Performance Gains: The M5 Advantage
Apple’s new M5 chip may not revolutionize the Vision Pro, but reviewers note that it delivers more consistent performance under heavy workloads — particularly in rendering spatial environments and multitasking.
9to5Mac’s Chance Miller observed:
“In situations where the M2 Vision Pro would lag and stutter, the M5 Vision Pro keeps up. The fans still kick in, but overall performance is more sustainable and consistent.”
Jason Snell of Six Colors echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how the M5 chip improves spatial rendering:
“The M5’s real strength is in maintaining the illusion of reality. The system feels smoother, especially when building or animating Spatial Personas.”
The M5 chip also allows the headset to render 10% more pixels and introduces foveated rendering optimizations, where objects at the user’s focal point appear sharper, while peripheral visuals remain slightly blurred for efficiency. Combined with the 120Hz refresh rate, visuals now appear noticeably crisper and more fluid.
Comfort Revolution: The Dual Knit Band
One of the Vision Pro’s most criticized features was its fit. The original Solo Knit Band placed most of the weight on the wearer’s cheeks and forehead, often causing discomfort within 30–45 minutes of use.
The Dual Knit Band directly addresses this issue. It features:
- A dual-strap design: one across the top of the head, one around the back.
- Tungsten counterweights to balance front-heavy goggles.
- Soft, breathable fabric designed for prolonged wear.
TechRadar’s Lance Ulanoff praised the redesign:
“The new Dual Knit headband finally spreads out and balances the headset’s weight across your whole noggin. I can wear it for two hours without feeling like my face is sliding off my skull.”
Scott Stein of CNET added:
“The headset doesn’t feel like it’s falling down on my cheeks anymore. The balance is improved, though it’s still a bit heavy overall.”
Even with these improvements, the Vision Pro remains heavier than Meta’s Quest 3 (1.1 pounds), due largely to its metal frame and lens array. However, most reviewers agreed that the added weight from the tungsten inserts is a fair tradeoff for comfort.
| Comfort Feature | 2025 Vision Pro (M5) | 2024 Vision Pro (M2) |
|---|---|---|
| Headband Type | Dual Knit (top + back strap) | Solo Knit (single strap) |
| Weight Distribution | Balanced with tungsten counterweight | Front-heavy |
| Comfort Duration | ~2 hours before fatigue | ~45 minutes before fatigue |
| Availability | Included (also sold separately for $99) | Optional accessory |
Battery Life and Practical Experience
While Apple has not drastically changed the Vision Pro’s battery hardware, efficiency improvements from the M5 chip yield a small but welcome gain.
Tom’s Guide’s Spoonauer shared:
“After using the Vision Pro for an hour and a half, I was down to 55% battery — that’s pretty decent.”
Apple now claims up to 2.5 hours of mixed use and 3 hours of video playback per charge — roughly a 30-minute boost over the M2 model.
The updated headset ships with a 40W Dynamic Power Adapter (60W Max), replacing the older 30W USB-C charger. It supports faster charging and better power delivery across longer sessions.
Visual and Immersive Experience
The 120Hz display upgrade delivers smoother visuals, particularly noticeable in Mac Virtual Display mode, where users can mirror or extend their Mac’s desktop into the Vision Pro’s spatial environment.
Combined with the M5 chip’s faster rendering, reviewers said animations, gestures, and transitions feel more natural. However, as Scott Stein noted, Apple still hasn’t expanded the field of view, which remains narrower than some competitors.
“It still feels like you’re looking through goggles — sharp and responsive, but still confined,” Stein wrote.
Despite this, most reviewers agree that motion blur has been reduced, and spatial content feels slightly more immersive.
Why It Matters?
The 2025 Vision Pro update may not introduce radical changes, but it represents Apple’s focus on iterative refinement — improving comfort, performance, and usability in subtle but meaningful ways.
The Dual Knit Band in particular addresses one of the biggest user pain points, signaling Apple’s responsiveness to feedback. Combined with the M5’s smoother rendering, it makes the Vision Pro more viable for extended productivity and entertainment sessions.
“It’s still a niche device,” said Dan Seifert, The Verge. “But this revision brings it closer to being a mainstream one — even if it’s still years away from mass adoption.”
FAQs
Q1. What are the biggest upgrades in the 2025 Vision Pro?
The M5 chip for better performance, a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals, and the Dual Knit Band for enhanced comfort.
Q2. Does the Vision Pro (M5) have longer battery life?
Yes, up to 2.5 hours of general use or 3 hours of video playback — around 30 minutes more than the M2 model.
Q3. Can the Dual Knit Band be purchased separately?
Yes. It’s available for $99 and works with both the new and original Vision Pro.
Q4. Is the new Vision Pro lighter than the old one?
No, it’s slightly heavier due to the tungsten counterweights in the band, but it feels more balanced overall.
Q5. Should M2 Vision Pro owners upgrade?
Not necessarily. Most reviewers say the improvements are incremental — worthwhile for first-time buyers, but not enough for existing owners to justify another $3,499.
