M2 vs. M5 Vision Pro: 20+ Differences Compared

Apple recently refreshed its Vision Pro headset with the M5 chip, but how different is it from the original version? This guide lists all of the differences between the two models.

While the latest model sees no hardware changes beyond the chip and the headband, the M5 chip unlocks a series of new capabilities for the Vision Pro, such as a higher refresh rate, more rendered pixels, and longer battery life.

The M5 Vision Pro isn't classified as a second-generation model, which reveals how incremental Apple sees the update over the original M2 version. Nevertheless, it refines the headset in specific ways. All of the differences between the two models are as follows:





Apple Vision Pro (2024)

‌Apple Vision Pro‌ (2025)





Apple ‌M2‌ chip

Apple M5 chip





Made with TSMC's third-generation 5nm node (N5P)

Made with TSMC's third-generation 3nm process (N3P)





Based on A15 Bionic chip from iPhone 13 (2021)

Based on A19 Pro chip from iPhone 17 Pro (2025)





8-core CPU (4 performance and 4 efficiency cores)

10-core CPU (4 performance and 6 efficiency cores)







New GPU architecture







Integrated Neural Accelerator in every GPU core





Metal 4 developer APIs

Metal 4 developer APIs with Tensor APIs to program GPU Neural Accelerators







Third-generation ray tracing engine







Hardware-accelerated mesh shading







Second-generation dynamic caching





LPDDR5 memory

LPDDR5X memory





100 GB/s memory bandwidth

153 GB/s memory bandwidth







Support for AV1 decode







Dedicated display engine







10% more rendered pixels





Up to 100Hz refresh rate

Up to 120Hz refresh rate





2–2.5 hours battery life

2.5–3 hours battery life





30W power adapter included

40W power adapter included





Solo Knit Band and Dual Loop Band included

Counterweighted Dual Knit Band included





Weighs 600–650 grams (21.2–22.9 ounces)

Weighs 750–800 grams (26.4–28.2 ounces)





Made in China

Made in Vietnam





Released February 2024

Released October 2025





Started at $3,499 (£3,499 or €4,000)

Starts at $3,499 (£3,199 or €3,700)



The new chip is dramatically more powerful and efficient, making the device tangibly faster at tasks that push multiple subsystems at once, such as creating spatial photos or loading widget-heavy environments. Latency is reduced and overall responsiveness improves enough to feel noticeable in daily use. While there aren't many workflows that can take full advantage of the M5 chip's capabilities, it provides considerable performance headroom and strengthens the headset's technical foundation for future versions of visionOS and third-party apps.

That said, the upgrade is still bound by the same cameras, sensors, and displays as the ‌M2‌ model. The new 120 Hz refresh rate and 10% increase in rendered pixels subtly enhance motion smoothness and realism, but they don't transform the experience. Battery life is also slightly better, yet none of these shifts make the ‌M2‌ version feel obsolete. The software remains identical across both models, and since the new Dual Knit Band is available separately, comfort is also not a differentiator.

For current owners, the decision to upgrade hinges on use-case. Developers, designers, or professionals who push the headset to its limits will appreciate the added headroom and smoother responsiveness. For everyone else—especially those who primarily use the Vision Pro for watching TV and movies, Mac Virtual Display, browsing, or light productivity—the ‌M2‌ version still delivers the same fundamental experience.

The ‌M2‌ model's secondary-market prices also change the equation. With no trade-in program and units now listed on eBay at substantially lower prices, the original Vision Pro has become a far more accessible entry point into Apple's spatial computing experience. That makes the M5 model the better option for new buyers who want the most longevity and headroom, but the ‌M2‌ model remains better value for those entering the platform for the first time or waiting for a larger generational leap.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProBuyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, "M2 vs. M5 Vision Pro: 20+ Differences Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums