Apple Vision Pro Gets M5 Chip and New Dual Knit Band Before Samsung’s XR Reveal
Apple is turning up the heat in the augmented and mixed reality market by unveiling an upgraded version of its Vision Pro headset, just days ahead of Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy XR debut. The refreshed headset introduces Apple’s latest M5 chip alongside a redesigned Dual Knit Band for improved comfort—all while maintaining the original $3,499 (approx ₹2.9 lakh) price tag.
This smart update gives the Vision Pro a performance boost and a comfort upgrade but retains the sleek aesthetic and immersive design that made the original version one of the most advanced AR/VR headsets ever built.
Vision Pro Pricing, Variants, and Availability
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Price: $3,499 (₹2.9 lakh approx.)
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Storage Configurations: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB
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Preorders: Now open in the US and UK
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Availability: Rolling out globally from October 22, 2025
Despite the major hardware enhancements, Apple is keeping the same price range as last year’s edition—an appealing move for new buyers and those upgrading from the first-gen headset.
M5 Chip: A New Era of Performance for Vision Pro
Apple’s M5 chip, already seen in the new MacBook Pro and iPad Pro, is making its way into the Vision Pro lineup. The new processor delivers unprecedented improvements to AI computing, graphics rendering, and energy efficiency, making it ideal for high-end spatial computing applications.
Key M5 Chip Improvements
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10% More Pixel Rendering: The M5 chip boosts pixel rendering performance on Vision Pro’s micro-OLED displays, resulting in sharper visuals, clearer text, and crisper 3D environments.
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Higher Refresh Rate: Capable of reaching up to 120Hz, reducing motion blur during user movements and improving spatial realism.
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AI and AR Optimization: Enhanced neural processing allows smoother multitasking when running multiple windows, immersive apps, or AR design software.
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Battery Efficiency: The Vision Pro now provides up to 2.5 hours for general use and up to 3 hours for video playback, a measurable 20% improvement over the original model.
According to Apple, the M5 chip not only delivers faster response times but also reduces heat generation—critical for prolonged comfort during extended usage sessions.
Dual Knit Band: Comfort Meets Design
Apple didn’t just supercharge the internals—it’s also enhancing user comfort. The new Dual Knit Band replaces the earlier single-strap system with two 3D-knitted straps for superior cushioning, adjustability, and durability.
Key Features of the Dual Knit Band
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Dual-Rib Architecture: Provides balanced head support across the crown and back for long-term sessions.
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Fit Dial Control: New dual-function precision dial allows micro-adjustments for a customized fit.
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Breathable Design: Keeps users cool during high-intensity VR experiences or productivity workflows.
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Compatibility: Fully supports both the new and first-generation Vision Pro units.
Apple will sell the new Dual Knit Band separately for $99 (approx ₹8,200)—a nod to users who wish to retrofit their older Vision Pro models with enhanced comfort features.
Vision Pro M5: Powering Creativity and Immersion
With the M5 chip onboard, the Vision Pro now performs seamlessly with high-end creativity tools and productivity apps. Whether editing 3D models, hosting AR meetings, or watching immersive cinema experiences in Apple’s virtual theatre mode, users can expect more fluid motion, cleaner rendering, and less visual latency.
Features like Mac Virtual Display also benefit from the improved refresh rates and next-gen graphics, allowing professionals to use the headset as a high-resolution, portable workspace.
Competition Heats Up: Samsung vs. Apple in the XR War
Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset—set to launch on October 21—will be the first commercial product powered by Android XR, developed by Google and Samsung. Apple’s Vision Pro upgrade, arriving just days earlier, seems strategically timed to undercut its rival’s spotlight.
By integrating the M5 chip and enhancing comfort, Apple showcases both technical innovation and design maturity, reaffirming its dominance in the spatial computing market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What’s new about the upgraded Apple Vision Pro?
A: The headset is now powered by Apple’s M5 chip and includes a redesigned Dual Knit Band for improved comfort and fit.
Q2: What is the price of the new Vision Pro?
A: The Vision Pro still starts at $3,499 (approximately ₹2.9 lakh).
Q3: What’s improved with the M5 chip?
A: Faster rendering, enhanced graphics, AI-driven multitasking, and up to 20% better battery life.
Q4: How comfortable is the new Dual Knit Band?
A: Made with 3D-knitted materials, the band offers superior comfort, breathability, and a precision fit.
Q5: When will it be available globally?
A: Global rollout for the upgraded Vision Pro begins on October 22, 2025.
With the upgraded Vision Pro M5, Apple is reaffirming its leadership in XR innovation, merging hardware excellence with immersive design. The M5 chip elevates performance for productivity and entertainment alike, while the Dual Knit Band enhances all-day usability.
Coming right before Samsung’s Galaxy XR reveal, Apple’s latest move feels like a calculated bid to remind the world that it still defines the cutting edge of spatial computing. For professionals, creators, and developers alike, the Vision Pro remains the headset to beat in 2025.
