Using the new Apple Vision Pro – the M5 Upgrade keeps the dream alive

The second generation Apple Vision Pro might be the same thing with more power and a new headband, but it’s an endorsement of the product and the project that Apple calls Spatial Computing – that’s my key takeout from a week with the new Apple Vision Pro with M5.

I won’t lie, it’s been a while since I turned on, and wore my Apple Vision Pro and I think if we’re honest that’s the same for most people. It’s not because it’s not a great product, but perhaps more because it’s a new muscle to flex and it’s not yet normal to reach for a headset to check emails, or even watch a movie.

2025’s Apple Vision Pro can be spotted by recognising the new Dual Knit band – however given that can clip on and off with the same mechanism as the first, I’d expect many owners to upgrade to Dual Knit because boy oh boy, it’s far better than the two previous options

Here’s the headband/strap options from the Original Apple Vision Pro:

You can see instantly that on reflection they should have gone with a Dual-knit approach from the get go. It’s a far better look and covers off comfort and support perfectly.

At 9, it’s the right move for anyone who own’s the original ,999 Apple Vision Pro – do it.

In what can only be described as Apple engineering at its finest, the adjustment for the dual knit band is a single dial, that pops outward to adjust the upper strap and in for the rear strap.

It’s a satisfying click, and dial, like only Apple would bother to make. Respect.

The dial and movement is also utterly intuitive – the sign of a great design.

What really matters with this generational upgrade is the performance.

Apple’s M5 Silicon is far more powerful than the M2 which the O.G AVP shipped with – what that enables is a slicker, smoother user interface, only barely noticeable though in my eyes.

Likewise the 10% extra pixels being rendered, I doubt many would “see” it, I think its more about tricking your brain to see better and more naturally than actually a noticeable change in resolution. there’s not more pixels either, the Micro OLED screens are the same, it’s just rendering a more detailed area in your focus point.

Playing around with Aussie app JigSpace is perhaps the best example of the really interactive and spatial experience of Apple Vision Pro.

Fortunately they’ve updated their F1 partnership car, so it’s now Nico Hulkenberg’s green racer, and just as much fun to pull apart in your lounge room.

I found the workspace environment to be the most “daily” use of all for Apple Vision Pro, extending my MacBook screen and adding side windows to my left and right for messages and entertainment like a YouTube video – particularly awesome when in a boring hotel room.

That said, this week reconnecting with Apple Vision Pro has reminded me just how awesome “Immersive” content is.

I think there’s two current markets for Apple Vision Pro, perhaps three.

Business to Business, in areas like training and support. Applications like JigSpace sell that so well.

Workspace is probably that “third” fringe market, for people who want an amazing Matrix like workspace but don’t have the physical space or work remotely a lot – amazing.

But the second one that came to mind is just Immersive Content.

I find watching “normal” or 2D content ok in Apple Vision Pro but often think why not just use the TV. And yes you can share play and watch the same movie with a mate on their Apple Vision Pro – but how often is that happening.

Forget all that, get into the Immersive Section of Apple TV and blow your mind. Metallica Live? Bono Documentary? Extreme sports, Yankee Stadium tour – it’s remarkable and so very immersive – legitimately.

There’s no doubt Immersive content can sell this device. We just need much, much more of it.

Oh, and personas – the “virtual you” that people see on Facetime calls and group calls – they are now so great, so life-like and impressive, I wish I worked with more people who I could regularly Facetime with because I can absolutely see this as a far more productive way to meet than sitting on a typical Zoom call.

Apple Vision Pro with M5 is available today, same ,999 price, just better.