M5 Vision Pro vs M2 Vision Pro: What’s New and Should You Upgrade?

When the first Vision Pro launched with the M2 chip, it turned heads for its futuristic design and immersive experience. Now, Apple’s back with a refreshed version powered by the M5 chip, promising faster performance, smoother visuals, and better comfort. But how much better is it really? And should you upgrade or buy the new one?

In this article, we’ll compare M5 Vision Pro vs. M2 Vision Pro, walk through the key upgrades, and help you decide which one makes sense for you.

M5 Vision Pro vs. M2 Vision Pro: Quick Comparison

Let’s first get a overview of the big differences and similarities between the two.

Feature	Vision Pro (M5)	Vision Pro (M2)
Chip	Apple M5 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine + Neural Accelerators)	Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine)
Memory bandwidth	~153 GB/s	~100 GB/s
Display refresh	Up to 120Hz refresh, plus ~10% more pixels	Up to ~100Hz max refresh
Strap / headband	Dual Knit Band designed for better comfort & balance	Original band (Solo Knit)
Battery life	~3 hours video playback	~2.5 hours video playback
Weight (excluding external battery)	~750-800g (26.4-28.2 oz)	~600-650g (21.2-22.9 oz)
Launch price	Same launch price: US $3,499	US $3,499 (256 GB base)

Now let’s walk through each major area in more detail.

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M5 Vision Pro vs. M2 Vision Pro: Key Upgrades

Here I have explained the differences based on specifications so you can easily decide what fits your requirements.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, both headsets look extremely similar. You’ll get the same curved front glass, same dual-micro-OLED setup, same Light Seal and Light Seal Cushion. Apple hasn’t overhauled the chassis. But there are two interesting things to note:

• The newer M5 model introduces the Dual Knit Band. It’s dual-strap design 3D-knitted as a single piece and a dial for fine adjustment. Apple says it improves comfort, breathability, and stability.
• On the flip side, the M5 model is heavier (750‐800 g) versus the M2 model when excluding the external battery. That means for extended wear, weight could matter.

Build materials and finish remain luxurious so the premium feel is in both. If you already own the M2 version, the design difference is not persuasive. You can also buy the Dual Knit Band ($99) for your old Vision Pro for added comfort.

Core Hardware (SoC, Memory & Bandwidth)

This is where the biggest performance jump comes. Apple upgraded the lineup only after 1.5 years yet it features an Apple Silicon three generations ahead.

• M2 version had 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine alongside the R1 coprocessor for sensor tasks.
• The M5 chip introduced in MacBook Pro, Vision Pro, and iPad Pro upgrades to a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in each core. The R1 processor remains the same.
• The new model also boosts memory bandwidth (around 153 GB/s) and offers hardware-accelerated ray tracing & mesh shading.

More CPU/GPU muscle means the Vision Pro M5 can handle heavier spatial computing workloads, smoother graphic rendering, more advanced Apple Intelligence features on-device, and compatibility for visionOS 26 features.

If you’re a developer, gamer, or power user, this difference matters. However, if you’re using the device only for media viewing or casual AR/VR, the M2 is still very capable.

Display and Visual Experience

Both headsets feature high-end dual micro-OLED panels, extremely high pixel counts (≈ 23 million pixels) and a rich color gamut. Here’s what the upgrade brings:

• The M5 version supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which means smoother motion, less blur when turning your head or using fast moving content. The M2 version tops out around 100 Hz.
• Apple says the M5 version renders about 10 % more pixels on its displays than before, so text is crisper, virtual-windows look sharper when you’re floating apps in space.

When watching immersive media, virtual monitors, or mixed-reality experiences, you can immediately notice smoother motion, less strain when reading small text, and a more premium feel.

However, for more casual use, the difference is nice to have, but perhaps not a deal-breaker.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery is always a pain point in wearables like this:

• The M2 version offers approx ~2.5 hours of video playback and only 2 hours for mixed-reality heavy workloads per charge.
• For the new M5 version, Apple quotes up to ~3 hours of video playback. General use is also bumped to 2.5 hours.

So yes, you’re getting some extra battery life with the upgrade, but it’s not a massive leap. You’ll still need to charge regularly for long sessions.

Head Strap/Accessories and Comfort

Comfort is extremely important for any wearable you’ll be using for extended periods:

• M2 model uses earlier Solo Knit Band and the Dual Loop band which offered decent comfort but some users cited neck/strap fatigue in longer sessions.
• M5 model introduces the Dual Knit Band with two-strap system and improved ergonomics. Apple says it fits better and distributes weight more evenly.

But remember: the overall weight of the M5 unit is higher. So, even with improved strap, comfort may still be slightly less favorable compared to lighter model if strap support isn’t perfect for your head shape.

Sensors, Audio, Connectivity

On these fronts, both models has identical specifications:

• Both use the R1 co-processor to handle sensor fusion, cameras, eye-tracking, and deliver ~12 millisecond photon-to-photon latency.
• Both support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, and Iris based OpticID authentication.
• You will get the same camera setup, depth sensors, spatial audio pods, and 6-mic array built in. The M5 model doesn’t dramatically change the sensors or audio hardware.

The upgrade is mainly in the chip’s ability to drive those sensors and boost their efficiency rather than brand-new sensor arrays. So in day-to-day use, if you were satisfied with the M2 version, you’ll likely be fine. The M5 mostly adds headroom.

Price and Value

Both versions launched at the same starting price: US $3,499 for the base model. That means with the M5 model, you’re getting upgraded specs for the same entry price, which is a solid value if you commit now.

However, if you hunt around you might find the M2 version at a discount now. From a value-perspective, it could be a smart play if you don’t need the absolute top specs.

Note

If you want to trade-in your old Vision Pro M2 to buy the new one, you can’t as of now. Apple has not offered the exchange option while buying a new M5 Vision Pro yet. So, you need to pay the full price for it.

Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade or Buy the M5 Vision Pro?

Here’s my down-to-earth recommendation based on what kind of user you are.

• If you’re a power user, developer, gamer, or spatial computing enthusiast: Go for the M5 version. The upgraded chip focused on AI performance, better refresh rate, improved strap, and increased future-proofing mean you’ll get more out of the device.
• If you’re already using the M2 version and it’s serving you fine, it’s not urgent to upgrade purely for incremental gains. Unless you’re hitting performance lags, you might wait for the next major redesign.
• If you’re a casual user, media viewer, first-time buyer on a budget: Consider buying the M2 model (if discounted) because it’s still very capable. The core experience remains high-end.

The M5 gives you more headroom for upcoming apps/features with more AI workload and richer graphics. The M2 version will still work, but may get outpaced earlier. If you buy now and plan several years of use, the M5 model is best bet if price is not a constraint.

What do you think about the new M5 Vision Pro? Is it worth the price? Let me know in the comments below!