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Issue 22: diff visionOS - Vision Pro M5
Published about 14 hours ago • 5 min read
Source: Apple. The image of the Vision Pro M5 is spatial on the press release.
Vision Pro with M5
On October 15, 2025 Apple Newsroom announced the new Vision Pro upgraded with M5 and a new Dual Knit Band. This announcement has been anticipated for some months due the rumour mill, sparked by some tech pundits known for leaking hardware news. Along with the press release for the M5, they also announced the MacBook Pro 14 powered with the M5. In the rumour mill, there's word of an updated iPad Pro with M5 to come.
Apple’s upgraded Vision Pro introduces the M5 chip, a 10-core CPU and GPU built on a 3-nanometer process, delivering faster performance, improved visuals, and longer battery life. It boosts AI tasks with a 16-core Neural Engine and enables hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more realistic graphics. Vision Pro now renders approximately 10 % more pixels on its micro-OLED displays, supports refresh rates up to 120 Hz to reduce motion blur, and pairs with the R1 coprocessor (handling camera, sensor, and audio inputs) to deliver smooth, low-latency spatial experiences.
The new Dual Knit Band offers a redesigned, more comfortable fit through 3D-knitted upper and lower straps, tungsten counterweights for balance, and a fine-tuned Fit Dial. It comes in multiple sizes and remains compatible with previous Vision Pro models.
Running visionOS 26, the device introduces widgets that persist in spatial environments, improved Personas, and new AI-driven spatial scenes. Users can now enjoy 180- and 360-degree videos, access more immersive Apple content, and explore over a million apps and thousands of games, all within Apple’s expanding spatial computing ecosystem.
The battery supports up to 2.5 hours of general use or 3 hours of video playback, with the option to connect the battery to power for extended sessions. The device is available for preorder immediately and shipping begins October 22.
Apple: The Dual Knit Band features upper and lower straps that are 3D-knitted as a single piece to create a unique dual-rib structure that provides cushioning, breathability, and stretch.
The new M5 chip, which is built on third-generation 3nm process technology and features a next-generation 10-core GPU architecture—each GPU core includes a Neural Accelerator—delivering over 4× the peak AI GPU compute performance compared to the M4. It also offers up to 15 % faster multi-threaded CPU performance, a 16-core Neural Engine, third-generation ray tracing, and ~30 % higher unified memory bandwidth (153 GB/s). The chip is initially slated for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro, and is designed to boost on-device AI, graphics, and compute workloads while remaining power efficient.
MacBook Pro 14 with M5
new 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by its M5 chip, which delivers up to 3.5× faster AI performance and 1.6× faster graphics than its predecessor, along with improved CPU, Neural Engine, and memory bandwidth for demanding workflows. It also offers up to 24 hours of battery life, faster SSD storage, and runs on macOS Tahoe with integrated Apple Intelligence features. The laptop retains hallmark Pro features (Liquid Retina XDR display, 12MP Center Stage camera, six-speaker sound, multiple ports), and is available to pre-order as of October 15, with deliveries starting October 22.
Logitec Muse - spatial stylus
The Logitech Muse is a spatial input accessory for Apple Vision Pro that enables six-degree-of-freedom motion tracking with low latency, letting users draw, annotate, and interact naturally in space. It features a pressure-sensitive tip, force-sensing button, and real-time haptic feedback to enhance realism, plus interchangeable tips and intuitive controls supporting various grip styles. The device charges via USB-C, includes extra tips and a quick start guide, and comes with a one-year hardware warranty (note: Logitech handles support for non-Apple-branded accessories).
The second instalment of Elevated: Maine takes you in a flyover of Maine's stunning autumn colours, narrated by Tim Robbins. You'll see the rugged coastlines, pristine lakes and forests bursting with orange, red and gold foliage. This is close to my second home, New Brunswick, Canada which lies just to the east of Maine and shares the same landscapes.
PSA: Your 3D movie purchases can be removed from Apple TV without notice!
I have been collecting movies in 3D format to watch on my Vision Pro. On Apple TV you need to rent or buy theatric movies to watch in 3D format. Disney+ on the other hand offers movies in 3D format with your subscription.
For example, I can watch Wicked in 2D on a streaming service. To watch it in 3D format, I bought on my Apple Media account. Same for movies like Wild Robot, the later Star Wars, the JJ Abrams Star Trek movies and my personal favourite 3D movie, Blade Runner 2049. However in November I bought and watched World War Z in 3D. In December 2024 I bought Mission Impossible - Fallout and watched it in 3D. A few days ago, I was looking at my Library of purchased movies on my Vision Pro and found that these two movies will only play in 2D format. Apple or more likely Paramount has removed the 3D assets for these two titles on the Canadian Apple Store! I cannot begin to tell you how annoyed I am with this!
Shared Visions - the movie ICYMI
The folks over at Step Into Vision are coordinating a video made for and about users of the Vision Pro. It's for developers, animators, 3D artists, power Vision Pro users, spatial meeting attendees, and general users who kick back and consume TV, movies and 3D entertainment. Check out the link to find out more to participate. Read the blog post. Sign up to participate in the Shared Visions Project
Step Into Vision Office Hours - ICYMI
Step Into Visions also hosts Office Hours, where Vision Pro developers and creators can get together and discuss working on projects and apps. There are currently a couple of weekly sessions, and a Discord channel.
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