Apple Vision Pro 2025 reviews: More stable, sharper, better Apfelpatient

The Apple Vision Pro is back—this time with a new M5 chip, a higher refresh rate, and a redesigned Dual Knit Band designed for greater comfort. The first reviews from select tech journalists and YouTubers have already appeared before the official launch. The verdict: noticeable improvements, but no revolution.

The original Apple Vision Pro was a milestone for mixed reality, but not without its flaws. Its weight and comfort, in particular, were frequently criticized. With the 2025 model year, Apple is addressing this feedback. The new M5 chip promises smoother performance, 120 Hz support is intended to provide smoother visuals, and the newly developed Dual Knit Band aims for better weight distribution. Testers took a close look to find out if these changes make a difference.

More performance with the M5 chip

In everyday use, the M5 chip proves to be significantly more stable than its predecessor. According to Chance Miller of 9to5Mac , the new Vision Pro runs more smoothly across various workflows and avoids the stuttering that was still present on the M2 model. Even with multiple windows open, performance remains consistent, even if the fans occasionally audibly kick in. Overall, performance is more sustainable and consistent.

Jason Snell of Six Colors sees the performance increase especially when the system creates a new spatial persona. While the M2 version was already fast, the M5 model utilizes its additional processing power more efficiently. There are particular advantages in rendering, as Apple says the new chip can calculate up to ten percent more pixels. This ensures sharper representation in the field of view. Foveated rendering remains central: Content directly in the field of view appears razor-sharp, while areas at the edges appear slightly blurred.

Smoother display with 120 Hz

Another improvement lies in the higher refresh rate. The Apple Vision Pro 2025 now supports up to 120 Hz, which reduces motion blur and enables a smoother user experience. This makes the display appear more natural and clear, especially when used as a virtual Mac display. According to testers, the combination of higher rendering performance and 120 Hz results in an overall sharper and smoother image, especially when navigating visionOS or working with multiple windows.

The new Dual Knit Band in everyday use

The most obvious difference from the first generation is the new Dual Knit Band. Many users found the original Solo Knit Band uncomfortable over time – too much pressure on the face and cheeks, too little balance. The Dual Knit Band specifically addresses these problems. It consists of two straps: a lower one that runs across the back of the head and an upper one that runs across the crown. The material remains a soft, stretchy knit.

The technical difference is important. The lower strap contains tungsten inserts that act as a counterweight. This distributes the headset's weight more evenly across the head. According to Lance Ulanoff of TechRadar , the effect is clearly noticeable. The Vision Pro still weighs around 600 grams, but the weight distribution ensures the headset feels less tight. He reports that he was now able to wear the Vision Pro for two hours without his face feeling sore—a significant improvement over its predecessor.

Mark Spoonauer of Tom's Guide also confirms the improved comfort. After half an hour of use, he felt less pressure on his eyes and no neck strain. Scott Stein of CNET noted that the headset feels more balanced overall, even though the additional counterweights have made it about five ounces heavier.

The Dual Knit Band, sold separately for €115, is compatible with the original Vision Pro, allowing first-generation owners to benefit from the improved weight distribution.

Battery life: small but noticeable improvements

There are few in-depth tests of battery life so far, but initial impressions are positive. According to Mark Spoonauer, the battery level dropped to 55 percent after 90 minutes of use, which is a solid result. Apple itself states that the new Vision Pro can last up to two and a half hours of general use and up to three hours of video playback per charge. This is about 30 minutes longer than the previous model.

limitations and criticism

Despite the improvements, some weaknesses remain. The field of view is still narrower than on other high-end headsets, giving the impression of looking through glasses. The hand and eye tracking, which continues to work excellently, hasn't changed technically either. CNET's Scott Stein notes that overall, the improvements aren't dramatic, and the basic experience with the Vision Pro remains largely the same.

Apple also hasn't made any progress in reducing the size and weight of the headset itself. It remains a comparatively heavy device, even though the new band is significantly more comfortable.

Apple Vision Pro 2025: More comfort, more performance – but the big leap is missing

The Apple Vision Pro 2025 demonstrates that Apple is responding to criticism without reinventing the product. The M5 chip ensures noticeably more stable performance, 120 Hz support improves image quality, and the new Dual Knit Band makes the biggest difference in everyday use. Finally, the headset can be worn comfortably for extended periods.

Nevertheless, the update isn't a quantum leap. The Vision Pro remains an impressive, but expensive, niche product. For owners of the M2 model, an upgrade is hardly worthwhile, as the improvements primarily concern comfort and attention to detail. For anyone who hasn't tried the Vision Pro yet, the 2025 version offers the most sophisticated experience yet—and the best proof that Apple is slowly but steadily moving toward everyday usability. (Image: Apple)