This is Hamamoto from TIMEWELL.
Apple Vision Pro is the device that opens the new category Apple calls "spatial computing." In October 2025, the second-generation model arrived with an M5 chip, and visionOS 26 has significantly expanded its capabilities.
This article covers the Vision Pro M5's key features, visionOS 26's new capabilities, sales performance, and the product outlook going forward.
M5 Vision Pro: Second-Generation Evolution
Hardware Improvements
On October 22, 2025, Apple announced the M5-powered Vision Pro.
Key improvements in the M5 Vision Pro:
| Item | M2 Model (1st Gen) | M5 Model (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M2 | M5 |
| Refresh rate | 100Hz | 120Hz |
| Band | Solo Knit Band | Dual Knit Band |
| Battery life | Approx. 2 hours | Approx. 20% improvement |
| Price | From $3,499 | From $3,499 |
Jumping directly from M2 to M5 (skipping M3 and M4) delivers substantially faster app launch times, video rendering, and AI workflows.
Dual Knit Band: A More Comfortable Fit
One of the second generation's most notable hardware changes is the redesigned Dual Knit Band.
Dual Knit Band features:
- Built-in tungsten (metal) counterweight at the rear
- Cancels forward-heavy weight distribution
- Distributes weight across the entire head
- Individually adjustable dial mechanism
The criticisms that dogged the first generation — "too heavy," "painful during extended wear" — were addressed through approximately two years of development.
visionOS 26: Evolving the Spatial Experience
Major New Features
Announced in June 2025, visionOS 26 substantially expands the spatial computing experience.
visionOS 26 new features:
1. Persistent Widgets
- Place widgets anywhere in your spatial environment
- Maintain their position through movement and restarts
- Integrated into the space the same way as apps
2. Persona Evolution
- More natural, expressive appearance
- Full-side profile view
- Improved accuracy for hair, eyelashes, and skin texture
3. Spatial Scenes
- AI generates depth from standard photos
- Immersive, three-dimensional display
- Scene conversion using generative AI
4. Expanded Travel Mode
- Previous: Airplane, train
- New: Also works in cars and buses
5. Look to Scroll
- Scroll using only eye gaze
- Customizable scroll speed
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Sales Performance: A Niche Market Product
The Realistic Numbers
Vision Pro has struggled in terms of unit sales.
Sales figures:
- 2025 holiday season (including M5 launch): Approximately 45,000 units (IDC estimate)
- The M5 model's launch had limited incremental impact on sales
At $3,499, and given the immersive headset form factor, the device has not achieved broad consumer adoption. The primary user base remains developers, creatives, and technology enthusiasts.
visionOS Receives Strong Marks
That said, visionOS itself is widely praised. One commonly cited assessment: "Vision Pro hasn't been a commercial hit, but visionOS is a remarkable achievement full of strengths" — and the maturity of the software platform is broadly recognized.
What Comes Next: Vision Air and Apple Glasses
Vision Air (Expected Around 2026)
Apple is reportedly developing a more accessible version of Vision Pro: the "Vision Air."
Anticipated Vision Air specs:
- Weight: More than 40% lighter
- Display: Glass replaced with plastic
- Chip: Mac chip replaced with iPhone chip
- Sensors: Reduced count
- Price: Around $1,750 (roughly half the current price)
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is prioritizing weight reduction and lower cost to reach a much broader audience.
Apple Glasses (2026-2027)
Bloomberg reports that Apple may announce "Apple Glasses" (or "Apple Vision") in the second half of 2026, with shipping possibly beginning in 2027.
Apple Glasses expectations:
- Smart glasses form factor similar to Ray-Ban Meta
- Projected 2027 shipments: 3-5 million units
- Combined Apple AR/VR products projected to ship 10+ million units in 2027
This suggests a strategy of running two product categories in parallel: immersive headsets (Vision Pro) and everyday smart glasses (Apple Glasses).
The Competitive Landscape
Samsung Project Moohan
Samsung has announced a mixed-reality headset running Android XR, developed in collaboration with Google.
Project Moohan characteristics:
- Runs Android XR
- Developed with Google
- Targets feature parity with Vision Pro
Meta Quest
The Meta Quest series leads the market at lower price points.
| Device | Price Range | Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Vision Pro | $3,499+ | High-end / Professional |
| Samsung Moohan | TBD | High-end |
| Meta Quest 3 | $499+ | Consumer |
Then vs. Now: The Evolving Vision Pro Landscape
Compared to the information that formed the basis of this article, the situation around Vision Pro has shifted.
Then (around October 2025):
- M5 Vision Pro had just launched
- visionOS 26 was still in beta
- Vision Air was at the rumor stage
Now (January 2026):
- M5 Vision Pro sales data is available (approx. 45K units/quarter)
- visionOS 26 has officially launched
- Specifics on Vision Air and Apple Glasses are becoming clearer
- A product roadmap toward 2027 is taking shape
Tim Cook has described spatial computing as a "top priority," and the category is expected to reach a significant turning point in 2026-2027.
Enterprise Use Cases
Current Primary Use Cases
- Design and creative: 3D modeling, spatial design
- Entertainment: Film viewing, gaming
- Remote work: Virtual desktops, Persona-based meetings
- Education and training: Immersive learning
Considerations for Enterprise Adoption
Companies evaluating Vision Pro adoption should consider:
- Cost: $3,499+ per unit
- Use case specificity: Best suited for targeted applications
- Learning curve: Adapting to spatial interfaces
- Future product options: Waiting for more accessible models like Vision Air
Summary
Apple Vision Pro is a pioneering device that demonstrates the potential of spatial computing, but remains limited to a niche market for now.
Key takeaways from this article:
- M5 Vision Pro: Better performance, improved comfort via Dual Knit Band
- visionOS 26: Persistent widgets, evolved Persona, spatial scenes
- Sales: Approximately 45K units during the holiday season — a niche market product
- What's next: Vision Air (40% lighter, ~$1,750), Apple Glasses (2026-2027)
- Combined AR/VR products projected to ship 10+ million units by 2027
Spatial computing has the potential to become the "next computing paradigm," but mainstream consumer adoption will require further weight reduction and price cuts. Apple's product rollout in 2026-2027 will be closely watched.