Apple Vision Pro 2025 - What is New, What is Not, and What It Means for Mixed Reality

Apple’s Vision Pro was one of the most ambitious tech products in years, a bold step into the world of mixed reality. Two years later, Apple has quietly released the second-generation Apple Vision Pro (2025), now powered by the new M5 chip. But is it really an upgrade, or just a subtle refresh?

Let’s dive into what’s changed, what hasn’t, and where Apple’s mixed-reality dream is heading next.

What’s New: The M5 Chip and Small Upgrades

Apple’s M5 silicon is now the brain behind the Vision Pro, iPad Pro, and 14-inch MacBook Pro.
Unlike the Pro or Max chips, this is a base-level upgrade, but it offers:

• Faster app loading
• Up to 20% longer battery life
• Slightly smoother 120 Hz refresh rate
• More efficient processing for spatial scenes and high-resolution rendering

So yes, the Vision Pro is a little faster and lasts longer, but these are incremental changes, not groundbreaking.

Same Design, Same Heavyweight Build

If you expected a lighter or thinner headset, think again. The 2025 Vision Pro still uses the same aluminum frame, micro-OLED displays, and 12-camera sensor array as the original.

However, Apple introduced a Dual Knit Band, a redesigned strap that improves comfort and weight distribution. It’s elegant, adjustable, and better balanced, thanks to a tungsten counterweight at the back.

Fun fact: you can buy this new Dual Knit Band separately for $99, and it fits the older Vision Pro, too.

Performance in Real Use

After testing the M5 Vision Pro, users report that:

• Apps load slightly faster.
• Spatial photos render more smoothly.
• The interface feels a bit snappier.

Still, the visuals and passthrough cameras remain the same. The upgrade is noticeable but far from revolutionary. Think of it as a refined experience, not a reimagined one.

The Competition: Samsung and Smart Glasses

Here’s where things get interesting. Samsung finally launched its Android XR headset, codenamed Project Moohan, entering the same mixed-reality race. Yet, despite this, the competition in premium XR remains surprisingly limited.

Meanwhile, smart glasses like Meta Ray-Ban Displays are progressing faster, offering practical features (music, voice control, camera) in a smaller, socially acceptable form.

It’s clear the race for the “everyday face computer” might not be won by bulky headsets, but by lightweight, AI-powered smart glasses.

What’s Next for Apple Vision Pro?

With limited adoption and a $3,500 price tag, the Vision Pro seems to be finding its place. Reports suggest Apple may have paused plans for a Vision Pro Air, focusing instead on developing AR smart glasses.

This aligns with the market trend, consumers prefer wearable tech that feels natural, not isolating. Apple might soon pivot toward this more subtle, mass-market future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What’s new in the Apple Vision Pro 2025 version?
A: The 2025 Apple Vision Pro introduces Apple’s M5 chip, a redesigned Dual Knit Band for better comfort, and improved battery efficiency. However, the headset retains the same display, sensors, and overall design as the first-generation model.

Q2: Is the Apple Vision Pro 2 lighter than the first version?
A: Surprisingly, the second-generation Vision Pro is slightly heavier due to the metal counterbalance in its new Dual Knit Band, but it’s significantly more comfortable for long-term wear.

Q3: How much does the Apple Vision Pro cost?
A: The new Vision Pro retains its original $3,500 price tag. Refurbished or secondhand units may be available at lower prices through official resellers or platforms like eBay.

Q4: Are there any Apple Vision Pro alternatives?
A: Yes. Samsung recently launched its Android XR headset as a Vision Pro competitor. Other emerging alternatives include Meta Quest 3 and the upcoming smart glasses trend like the Meta Ray-Ban series.

Q5: Can you use FaceTime on the Apple Vision Pro?
A: Absolutely. FaceTime on Vision Pro allows realistic 3D Personas and spatial video calls, making it one of the most immersive FaceTime experiences yet.