Should You Buy the Vision Pro?
The $3,500 Vision Pro is prohibitively expensive for many consumers. Reviews have made it clear that it is a device that does not easily fit into an existing workflow for most people. Some users have even regretted purchasing the headset. The Vision Pro is great for watching movies, viewing 3D videos, and using as a display for a Mac, but many have struggled to find a day-to-day use for it.
At over 1.3 pounds, the Vision Pro is heavy and fatigue can set in quickly. However, Apple improved comfort with the Dual Knit Band that launched alongside the M5 chip. There is also an external battery pack to contend with, and the headset is not easy to travel with, especially with Apple's dedicated Travel Case.
The Vision Pro is undoubtedly Apple's most technically advanced product and an incredible feat of engineering. It is impressive when first viewed, but potential buyers should try it at the Apple Store and do a lot of research on what can be done with it before making a purchase. The Vision Pro is excellent for watching movies and consuming content, plus it can be used as a display for a Mac, but it has a limited number of apps and games.
Apple refreshed the Vision Pro with an M5 chip in October 2025, which means now is a good time to buy. Another update is not expected for at least two years, and development on a next-generation headset is currently paused.
Apple Vision Pro Overview
Apple Vision Pro is Apple's augmented and virtual reality headset, a major new product category. The first version launched in February 2024, and Apple released an updated model with an M5 chip in October 2025. While it is definitely a headset, Apple calls it a spatial computer because of its ability to blend digital content with the physical world. It is a mixed reality headset that displays augmented reality content overlaid on the world around you and immersive entirely virtual content. The headset is not see-through; everything you see is digital. For augmented reality, Apple uses cameras that map out what's in front of you, translating that into a digital image augmented by virtual elements. For a virtual reality experience, Apple shuts off those cameras to isolate you from your surroundings, controlled with an on-device Digital Crown.
Design and Display
Design wise, Apple Vision Pro resembles a pair of ski goggles, featuring a singular piece of laminated glass for the front that melds into an aluminum alloy frame. A soft, fitted Light Seal attaches magnetically to the frame and conforms to your face to block out light. Two Audio Straps with built-in speakers deliver Spatial Audio that blends what you're hearing with the real world. The straps connect to a 3D knitted headband that holds the Vision Pro in place. The M5 model has a Dual Knit Band with a second strap that fits over the top of the head. It is breathable, cushiony, and stretchy, and includes counterweights for even weight distribution.
Inside the frame, there are two micro-OLED displays that deliver over 4K resolution to each eye for a total of 23 million pixels. The M5 version can render 10 percent more pixels and supports up to 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in crisper visuals and reduced motion blur. There is an external display called EyeSight that projects an image of your eyes so people can tell whether you're using the headset in immersive mode. For glasses wearers, custom prescription Zeiss Optical Inserts attach magnetically to the lenses.
Cameras, Sensors, and Navigation
Apple Vision Pro includes 12 cameras and five sensors for monitoring hand gestures and mapping the environment. Two cameras transmit more than a billion pixels per second to depict the real world. Infrared flood illuminators enhance hand tracking in low light, and LiDAR depth sensors determine object size and location. Four infrared cameras and LED lights inside the headset enable precise eye tracking.
There are no physical controllers. Navigation is done through eye tracking, hand gestures, and voice commands. An app can be highlighted by looking at it and opened with a tap of the fingers. Optic ID scans your iris for authentication, similar to Face ID. The headset can also capture 3D photos and videos using a built-in camera, with a clear indicator when recording.
Processors, RAM, and Storage
The Vision Pro is powered by the M5 chip, built with third-generation 3-nanometer technology. It features a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, with a 16-core Neural Engine that boosts AI performance by up to 50 percent compared to the M2. The Vision Pro has 16GB RAM and comes in 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage options. The M5 works alongside the R1 chip, which processes input from cameras and sensors to deliver a virtually lag-free view of the world.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The M5 Vision Pro offers up to three hours of video playback and up to 2.5 hours of general use, a half hour improvement over the M2 model. The battery pack is worn at the hip and can be swapped for additional power. When plugged in, the headset can run all day. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 (2.4GHz and 5GHz), but not Wi-Fi 6E.
visionOS and Mac Integration
visionOS is the operating system with a three-dimensional interface. Apps can be placed anywhere in virtual space and resized. The level of immersion is adjustable with the Digital Crown. A Persona represents the user in FaceTime. visionOS supports a personal movie screen that feels 100 feet wide, Apple Immersive Videos, and Spatial Audio. It also integrates with a Mac to serve as a private, portable 4K display. visionOS 26, released in September 2025, adds persistent widgets, more lifelike Personas, and features like spatial browsing and a Jupiter Environment.
How to Buy
The M5 Vision Pro is available from Apple online and retail stores in select countries. Pricing starts at $3,500 for 256GB. The ordering process requires a Face ID scan for proper fit. Zeiss reading lenses cost $99, and custom prescription lenses cost $149. The box includes a Dual Knit Band, Light Seal, two Light Seal Cushions, a Cover, Polishing Cloth, battery, USB-C cable, and power adapter. There are no trade-ins for the older M2 model.
What's Next for Vision Pro
Apple is reportedly developing smart glasses similar to Meta Ray-Bans, with built-in AI, expected in 2026 or 2027. A cheaper headset called Vision Air was in development but work has been paused. Long-term, Apple may release AR glasses and even contact lenses in the 2030s. The Vision Pro could also be used for health monitoring, such as detecting depression or heart issues through eye tracking.
Source: MacRumors News