CUPERTINO, California, Oct. 16, 2025: Apple on Wednesday announced a major update to its mixed-reality headset, unveiling the new Vision Pro featuring the M5 chip and an all-new Dual Knit Band. The upgraded device delivers faster performance, enhanced visuals, improved battery efficiency, and a more comfortable fit, along with a software update to visionOS 26 introducing new spatial computing features.
Apple expands immersive spatial computing with upgraded Vision Pro design and technology. (Credit – Apple Inc.)
The latest version of Apple Vision Pro is powered by the M5 chip, built using a third-generation 3-nanometer process. The chip features a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, supporting hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading. Apple stated the GPU enables improved lighting and shadow detail in applications such as gaming.
The device renders 10 percent more pixels than the previous version and supports refresh rates of up to 120Hz for reduced motion blur and smoother virtual display performance. The Vision Pro now supports battery life of up to 2.5 hours for general use and three hours for video playback on a single charge.
The M5 chip is paired with the R1 chip, which handles data from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones to maintain a real-time display experience with latency as low as 12 milliseconds. The updated Neural Engine has 16 cores and enables AI-powered features to run up to 50 percent faster for system tasks, and twice as fast for supported third-party apps compared to the previous generation.
Vision Pro supports growing ecosystem of content and games
The device’s support for Apple’s Foundation Models framework allows developers to build advanced spatial applications using on-device generative AI. Apple highlighted new enterprise uses including 3D model analysis and dataset interpretation with natural language. The new Dual Knit Band has been redesigned for greater comfort, using a single 3D-knitted structure with upper and lower straps.
It includes embedded tungsten inserts in the lower strap to serve as a counterweight, and a dual-function Fit Dial for fine adjustment. The band is available in three sizes and can be purchased separately. It is also compatible with the previous version of Vision Pro. VisionOS 26 brings expanded functionality with persistent widgets, improved Personas, and support for spatial photo scenes generated using AI.
Users can also play back 180-degree and 360-degree video formats from compatible action cameras and publish immersive content to platforms such as Safari and Vimeo. Apple Vision Pro now supports over one million apps, including more than 3,000 specifically developed for visionOS. Users can access 3D movies through the Apple TV app and view new titles in Apple Immersive content.
Immersive apps now include live sports and new content
The company confirmed that select live NBA games will be available through Apple Immersive later this season. The upgraded Vision Pro also includes support for a wider range of gaming hardware and software. Games can be played using standard controllers, and support has been added for the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller. Vision Pro users will have access to iPad and spatial-native games, with several titles optimized for the updated hardware.
For professional and enterprise users, Vision Pro continues to support applications in design, education, medical imaging, and simulation. Companies such as CAE and Porsche are using the headset in pilot training and automotive personalization, while hospitals are applying spatial imaging technology to enhance patient care. Apple said the new Vision Pro is manufactured with recycled materials, including 100 percent recycled aluminum in the frame and battery enclosure and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery.
Packaging is fiber-based and fully recyclable. The updated Vision Pro starts at $3,499 in the United States and is available with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Preorders opened today in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Japan, Australia, the UAE, and several other markets. Availability in mainland China and Singapore begins October 17, with wider in-store sales set for October 22. South Korea and Taiwan will follow at a later date. – By Content Syndication Services.