Should You Buy the Vision Pro?
The Apple Vision Pro, priced at $3,500, is considered prohibitively expensive for many consumers. Initial reviews suggest that it may not easily integrate into existing workflows, leading some users to regret their purchase. While the headset excels in watching movies, viewing 3D videos, and serving as a display for a Mac, finding everyday use for it can be challenging.
Weighing over 1.3 pounds, the Vision Pro can cause fatigue during extended use, although Apple has made strides in comfort with the introduction of the Dual Knit Band, launched alongside the M5 chip. An external battery pack adds to its bulk, complicating travel, despite the inclusion of a dedicated Travel Case.
As Apple's most technically advanced product, the Vision Pro showcases impressive engineering. However, potential buyers are advised to test the device at an Apple Store and conduct thorough research regarding its functionalities before committing to a purchase. While it is excellent for content consumption and provides limited app and game options, its practical applications may not meet everyone's needs.
Notably, Apple refreshed the Vision Pro with an M5 chip in October 2025, making it a good time to buy, as another update isn't expected for at least two years. Development on a next-generation headset is currently on hold.
- M2 vs. M5 Vision Pro: 20+ Differences Compared
Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro is a groundbreaking augmented and virtual reality headset that has been in development for over a decade. Its launch marks Apple's first major product category introduction since the Apple Watch in 2015. The Vision Pro first became available in February 2024, with an updated version featuring the M5 chip released in October 2025.
While Apple refers to it as a spatial computer, the Vision Pro functions as a mixed reality headset, displaying both augmented reality (AR) content and immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences. Unlike typical AR devices, the Vision Pro is not see-through; all visuals are digital. It utilizes external cameras to map the user's environment and integrate virtual elements, while internally, it can create a completely immersive experience by shutting off these cameras.
The design resembles ski goggles, featuring a single piece of laminated glass set in an aluminum alloy frame. A soft, fitted Light Seal attaches magnetically to the headset, ensuring a snug fit that blocks out external light.
Two Audio Straps, equipped with built-in speakers, deliver Spatial Audio that harmonizes with real-world sounds. The M5 model includes a Dual Knit Band for improved comfort, designed to be breathable and adjustable. A Fit Dial ensures a secure fit, while counterweights help to balance the headset's weight.
Equipped with dual micro-OLED displays, the Vision Pro provides over 4K resolution to each eye, totaling an astonishing 23 million pixels. It features an external display called EyeSight, which projects a digital image of the user's eyes, indicating whether they are in immersive mode.
Without physical controllers, the Vision Pro is navigated via eye tracking, hand gestures, and voice commands. Users can highlight apps by looking at them and select them with a finger tap.
More than a dozen cameras and sensors track hand and eye movements, while Optic ID uses iris scanning for secure authentication, similar to Face ID.
The Vision Pro can capture 3D photos and videos with a built-in camera, allowing users to relive memories in a unique way. It requires an external battery pack, offering up to 2.5 hours of general use per charge.
Content Display: The Vision Pro allows users to arrange apps and windows in their environment, with an infinite canvas available for multitasking. It runs on visionOS, which supports a dedicated App Store alongside compatibility with iPhone and iPad apps.
FaceTime is optimized for the Vision Pro, featuring large tiles for participants and a digital recreation of the headset wearer. Spatial audio enhances communication by clarifying who is speaking.
The headset's Cinema Environment enables users to watch content at the creator's specified frame rate and aspect ratio. With support for Apple Arcade, the Vision Pro offers a range of gaming experiences, compatible with Bluetooth controllers.
How to Buy
The M5 Vision Pro is available through the Apple online store and retail locations in various countries, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the U.K., the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. It will expand to Korea and Taiwan on November 28.
Pricing starts at $3,500 for the 256GB model, with a Face ID scan required for ordering to ensure a proper fit for the Light Seal and headband. Zeiss reading lenses cost an additional $99, while custom prescription lenses are priced at $149, requiring a valid prescription upload post-purchase.
What's in the Box
The Vision Pro package includes a Dual Knit Band (small, medium, or large), a Light Seal, two Light Seal Cushions, an Apple Vision Pro Cover, a Polishing Cloth, a battery, a USB-C charging cable, and a power adapter.
No Trade-Ins
Apple does not offer trade-in options for the M2 Vision Pro toward the M5 model.
Vision Pro Reviews
Reviewers have praised the comfort of the Dual Knit Band, noting it reduces pressure on the face and neck during extended wear. While the weight is more balanced, it is still noticeable. Performance improvements with the M5 chip have been highlighted, with faster processing and improved visual clarity.
How It Works
The Vision Pro blends augmented and virtual reality, utilizing exterior and interior cameras to map the environment and project accurate representations back to the user. Users can experience 3D content seamlessly integrated into their surroundings.
Design
Resembling high-end ski goggles, the Vision Pro is crafted from laminated glass and aluminum, available only in silver. The Light Seal is customizable for a secure fit, blocking out light effectively.
Display
Featuring two custom micro-OLED displays, the Vision Pro boasts 23 million pixels for an immersive viewing experience. The M5 version improves upon the original with enhanced processing power and refresh rates.
Lens Inserts
Glasses wearers can order Zeiss Optical inserts that attach magnetically to the headset's displays, ensuring visual clarity.
Cameras and Sensors
With 12 cameras and five sensors, the Vision Pro monitors gestures and maps the external environment, enabling intuitive navigation without physical controls.
Optic ID
Optic ID uses iris scanning for secure authentication, allowing users to unlock the device and make purchases effortlessly.
Audio
The Vision Pro includes dual-driver audio pods for a spatial audio experience, enhancing immersion during use.
Connectivity
Supporting Wi-Fi 6, the Vision Pro ensures stable connectivity, although it lacks compatibility with the faster Wi-Fi 6E.
Processors and RAM
Equipped with the M5 chip and 16GB RAM, the Vision Pro offers improved performance for applications and multitasking, with enhanced graphics capabilities.
Battery Life
With improved battery life, the Vision Pro can operate for up to 2.5 hours during general use, with options for extended power through additional battery packs.
visionOS
visionOS powers the Vision Pro, featuring a dynamic interface that reacts to users' environments, allowing for a customizable immersive experience.
What's Next for Vision Pro
Smart Glasses
Apple is reportedly developing smart glasses that lack a display but include audio playback and AI capabilities, with a projected release in 2027.
A Cheaper Headset
Plans for a lighter, more affordable version, the Vision Air, are underway, although development has been paused to focus on smart glasses.
Apple's Long Term AR/VR Plans
Future projects include augmented reality glasses and mental health applications that leverage the Vision Pro's capabilities for diagnostics and treatment.
Source: MacRumors News