M5 Review: A Sharper Vision, Still in Search of a Mission
When Apple launched the original Vision Pro in early 2024, it was hailed as a bold step into the future of computing—a spatial device that promised to replace your laptop, TV, and even your office. Nearly two years later, the Vision Pro M5 arrives not as a revolution, but as a thoughtful refinement. With a new M5 chip, improved Dual Knit Band, and better battery life, Apple’s second-generation headset is more usable and more powerful. But at $3,499, it remains a niche product—an engineering marvel still searching for mass-market purpose.
🔧 Design and Comfort: A Subtle but Meaningful Shift
The most noticeable change isn’t the chip—it’s the Dual Knit Band. Replacing the awkward Solo Knit and Dual Loop bands from the original, the new band distributes weight more evenly across the head. Reviewers from 9to5Mac and Gizmodo noted that it significantly improves comfort, especially during longer sessions.
The headset still looks futuristic—sleek, glassy, and undeniably Apple—but it’s not exactly discreet. As one reviewer quipped, “you still look like a dork wearing it in public”. That said, the build quality remains top-tier, and the new band makes it feel more like a finished product than a prototype.
⚙️ Performance: M5 Muscle, Finally Unleashed
The M5 chip is the star of the show. It delivers faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and sharper visuals—especially in virtual desktop mode, where users can project a MacBook screen into a massive floating display. According to AppleInsider, the M5 chip finally “takes full advantage of all those 4K-plus-per-eye pixels,” making the experience feel more fluid and immersive.
Battery life has also improved modestly, now averaging 3 to 3.5 hours on a single charge—enough for a movie or a focused work session, but still short of all-day usability.
🖥️ Software: VisionOS Matures
Apple’s VisionOS has come a long way since launch. The M5 model benefits from dozens of software updates, including better hand tracking, improved app switching, and tighter integration with macOS. The virtual keyboard is still clunky, but pairing a physical keyboard transforms the headset into a surprisingly capable workstation.
The app ecosystem remains limited, though. While Apple’s native apps shine—Safari, Messages, FaceTime—third-party support is still catching up. There’s no YouTube app, and many developers remain hesitant to invest in a platform with such a small user base.
🎮 Entertainment and Gaming: Better, But Not Best
The Vision Pro M5 is a stunning media viewer. Watching movies in a virtual IMAX theater is genuinely impressive, and the improved chip makes 3D content smoother. However, gaming remains a weak spot. While Apple Arcade titles run well, the lack of AAA games and limited controller support make it hard to recommend as a gaming device.
🧑‍💼 Productivity: A Glimpse of the Future
Where the Vision Pro M5 shines is in productivity and remote collaboration. The ability to float multiple screens, join FaceTime calls with spatial audio, and interact with 3D models makes it a powerful tool for designers, developers, and remote teams. But again, the price and learning curve limit its appeal to professionals and early adopters.
🧾 Price and Value: Still a Luxury
At $3,499, the Vision Pro M5 is not for the average consumer. It’s a luxury device—more akin to a high-end Mac Pro than an iPad. For that price, you get cutting-edge hardware, but not necessarily a must-have experience. As TechRadar put it, “it’s the best mixed-reality headset on the market—but most people still won’t need it”.
🧪 Verdict: A Better Vision, Still Not for Everyone
The Apple Vision Pro M5 is a clear improvement over its predecessor. It’s faster, more comfortable, and more polished. But it’s still a product in search of a killer app—a device that shows us what’s possible, without yet making it essential.
For developers, creatives, and tech enthusiasts, it’s a thrilling glimpse into the future. For everyone else, it’s a beautiful, expensive curiosity.
Pros:
- Blazing-fast M5 chip
- Improved comfort with Dual Knit Band
- Stunning display quality
- Strong productivity potential
Cons:
- High price tag
- Limited app ecosystem
- Short battery life
- Still bulky and socially awkward
Bottom Line: The Vision Pro M5 is Apple’s most refined take on spatial computing yet. It’s not a revolution—but it’s a confident step forward. Whether that step leads to mainstream adoption or remains a premium niche depends on what Apple—and developers—do next.
