You know that feeling when you finally catch up with Apple’s latest gadget, and then boom, there’s a new one?
Yeah. That.
The Apple Vision Pro M5 is here, barely giving early adopters time to smooth out the forehead dents from the first model.
And if you skipped the original £3,500 Vision Pro? You didn’t miss much. Or rather, you missed the most ambitious (and expensive) experiment in “spatial computing” ever.
Still, it was a statement; Apple’s boldest “future of computing” pitch since the iPhone. And as much as I wanted to laugh at the price, I also secretly hoped they’d pull it off. Because if anyone could make VR cool again… It’s Apple.
So is the new Vision Pro M5 worth getting excited about? Let’s break it down.
Quick Recap: The Vision Pro That Started It All
The original Vision Pro wasn’t just another VR headset; it was Apple’s bold pitch for “spatial computing” (i.e., you could fill your living room with floating screens, take FaceTime calls with life-sized avatars, and use apps suspended in mid-air like some kind of productivity Jedi).
For me, that experience was equal parts fantastic and frustrating. The display was beautiful, the build quality was premium, but that battery pack? It lasted about as long as a cup of coffee.
Around the same time, I was working weekly in VR using the Meta Quest Pro, and let me tell you, the experience taught me two things:
- First, VR absolutely can be productive.
- And second, even the best VR setups still have compromises.
Text isn’t quite as sharp as a real monitor, comfort fades after a few hours, and nothing beats the simplicity of just… not wearing a computer on your face.
So, the first Vision Pro wasn’t a flop, it was a glimpse of where computing is heading. Which is exactly why the Vision Pro M5 exists: a second chance to prove that “spatial computing” isn’t just a buzzword, but a real way to work, create, and maybe even replace your laptop someday.
What’s New in the Apple Vision Pro M5
Apple’s calling this the “biggest” leap forward for spatial computing yet. But let’s be real, they use language like that a lot. So instead of getting wrapped up in the marketing hype, let’s dig a bit deeper into what’s actually new here.
Performance & Power
The new M5 chip finally gives the Vision Pro the muscle it needed. It’s roughly twice as powerful as the M2, with faster multitasking, smoother rendering, and far better heat control.
The result? Apps load quicker, the headset runs cooler, and you can actually work in it without feeling like your forehead’s roasting.
Display & Optics
Apple doubled down on what it does best: screens. The M5’s upgraded micro-OLED panels are brighter, sharper, and have a wider field of view that finally feels immersive.
Text clarity has improved, too, which means you can read and write comfortably without squinting. Add smoother motion and better colour accuracy, and it’s easily one of the most natural-looking displays in any headset, just shy of the Vision Pro “retina dream” Apple keeps chasing.
VisionOS 3
VisionOS 3 brings smarter gestures, faster eye-tracking, and Apple Intelligence. The interface also feels more fluid and precise, and with more developers finally building native VisionOS apps, it’s starting to look like a real productivity tool (not just a fancy movie viewer).
Comfort & Design
Apple has trimmed the weight, balanced the straps, and added softer materials to make the M5 easier to wear. It’s still a headset (not exactly invisible), but it’s lighter, cooler, and less claustrophobic than before.
Battery life now hits around three hours, or longer with an optional tethered pack. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s finally comfortable enough for real sessions instead of quick demos.
Vision Pro M5 vs Vision Pro (2024): Side-by-Side
So that’s all the shiny new stuff on paper. But if you’re like me, you probably want to see how the specs stack up against the previous version.
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison between the original Vision Pro and the new Vision Pro M5, so you can spot what’s actually changed.
Vision Pro M2 and M5 Compared
The Real Question: Should You Upgrade?
Specs are fun, but they don’t tell the whole story. The Vision Pro M5 might look incredible on paper, but buying one isn’t like swapping your phone; it’s a commitment. You’re talking about spending nearly £4,000 on something that still sits awkwardly between a productivity tool and a futuristic toy.
So, who is this really for?
- If You’re a Developer or Creative Pro: The M5 chip finally delivers enough power to handle demanding workflows without lag or overheating. If you’re building or testing VisionOS apps, editing in 3D, or doing design work, this upgrade will feel smoother and sharper.
- If You’re Using It for Work or Productivity: Better text clarity, lighter materials, and VisionOS 3’s AI tools make this version much more usable for real work. But the three-hour battery life still means you’re either tethered or taking regular headset breaks.
- If You’re a Casual User or Early Adopter: If you mainly watch films, play with demos, or show it off to friends, the M5 won’t change much for you. Comfort is slightly better, but not £4,000 better.
The Upgrade Math: Value vs Hype
The truth is, the Vision Pro M5 feels more like a refinement than a revelation.
Yes, it’s faster, lighter, and smarter. But unless you’re pushing the M2 model to its limits, it’s hard to justify the upgrade. The original Vision Pro is already dropping in resale value, and Apple’s trade-in credits are hardly generous. Factor in warranty gaps and the cost of new accessories, and that “upgrade itch” starts looking like a very expensive impulse.
That said, the M5 will clearly be better supported long-term thanks to the new chip and VisionOS roadmap. If you’re investing for the next few years of spatial computing, it’s the one to buy, just don’t expect it to suddenly make working in VR effortless. For most people, this is Apple fine-tuning an ambitious idea, not reinventing it.
My Verdict on the Apple Vision Pro M5
After testing plenty of VR setups and spending far too much time typing scripts in a headset, I can say this: the Vision Pro M5 is Apple’s most refined version yet, but it’s not the headset that changes everything. It fixes a lot of what annoyed early adopters, like comfort and clarity, but still leaves the same big question hanging: Do you really need this in your daily life?
For developers or creatives who genuinely live in VR, it’s a solid investment. For everyone else, it’s an impressive glimpse at the future that’s still working out the kinks. Personally, I’ll upgrade when I can finish an entire workday in VR without looking like I’ve just lost a fight with a ski mask.
What do you think? Would you upgrade, or are you waiting for Apple to finally price this thing for, you know, actual humans?
Drop a comment or tag me on socials, I’m genuinely curious who’s still living the VR life day-to-day!
