Imagine strapping on a futuristic headset that promises to revolutionize your digital life, yet it slips into the market with a whisper instead of a bang – that's the essence of the Apple Vision Pro's second iteration. This isn't just any tech release; it's a chance to rethink what wearable computing could be, far removed from the viral chaos that once defined it. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this low-key approach a smart evolution or a missed opportunity to seize the spotlight? Stick around, and you'll see why this unassuming update might just be the sleeper hit we didn't know we needed.
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Remember the frenzy back in early 2024? Every TikTok scroll was filled with people attempting extreme feats like skiing treacherous slopes or navigating bustling city streets while immersed in the original Apple Vision Pro. It was thrilling, sure, but also overwhelming – kind of like showing off a can opener by smashing it open with your fists or demonstrating a life-saving defibrillator on a vegetable. Those antics might have sparked viral trends, but they didn't exactly help newcomers grasp the device's true potential.
Fast-forward to now, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. Artificial intelligence has stolen the tech world's thunder, with everyone's attention pivoting toward sleeker innovations like Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses. And let's be honest, if you've caught any outtakes of Mark Zuckerberg fumbling through demos of his latest eyewear, you know they're not flawless either. So, what does this evolving tech scene mean for Apple's bold £3,199 Vision Pro? Surprisingly, quite a lot. I've spent the past week testing one, and it's reaffirmed my view that this remains one of Apple's most intriguing – and yes, frustratingly quirky – inventions.
Apple
Vision Pro (M5)
No fresh look, but a smoother ride
When I first reviewed the Vision Pro over a year ago, it reminded me of Apple's original Watch – a device packed with innovative flair that took time to refine. Now, in 2025, that analogy feels even stronger. Just as Jony Ive's team initially overloaded the Watch with trendy features before honing in on essential health tracking, the Vision Pro's early ambitions, like lifelike persona avatars and immersive spatial photos, seem less central to this update. They're still present, but they're not the main draw. And this is the part most people miss: The real magic lies in how it's evolving beyond those flashy origins.
At first glance, the new Vision Pro appears virtually unchanged. It's still a substantial headset, tipping the scales at up to 800 grams when worn, projecting virtual worlds into your real environment. But under the hood, it's powered by Apple's cutting-edge M5 chip – the powerhouse also fueling the latest MacBook Pro and iPad Pro. This upgrade delivers sharper visuals with refresh rates soaring to 120Hz, plus a modest boost to battery life (up to three hours) and a revamped headband that genuinely enhances comfort. For beginners wondering what all this means, think of it as the difference between watching a blurry old TV versus a crystal-clear 4K screen: Everything feels smoother and more lifelike.
Sure, a complete overhaul to make it slimmer and lighter is inevitable – perhaps mimicking how smartphones shrank over generations. But expecting that so soon after the 2023 launch is unrealistic; even the second Apple Watch's big leap was just adding water resistance. For now, the Vision Pro's bulk is more evenly balanced, letting you wear it for extended periods – say, through a full-length film. And if you've noticed Apple's push into media, like their recent content deals, you'll sense where this is heading.
A cinematic paradise unlike any other
If size, weight, and price haven't budged much, you might wonder, what's genuinely improved? Try it on, and a year of software refinements becomes clear. Gesture controls are more intuitive, and features like widescreen virtual displays for MacBook connectivity add polish. It's not perfect, but it's progress. For tech enthusiasts like me, small enhancements – such as flipping your hands to tweak volume – are pure joy, highlighting the Vision Pro's core appeal: pure, unadulterated innovation.
To illustrate, picture adjusting settings with a simple wrist motion instead of fumbling for buttons; it's that seamless. Plus, there's a growing library of bespoke content, including Edward Berger's Oscar-nominated WWII submarine short 'Submerged' and Canal+'s Moto GP documentary 'Tour De Force.' While you shouldn't invest in a 'spatial computing' headset solely for virtual dinosaur safaris, jamming with Metallica on stage, or touring a French Grand Prix winner's garage, these experiences are undeniably captivating if you already own one. It's like discovering hidden gems in a vast app store – they make the device worth revisiting.
The Vision Pro stands out as Apple's sole gadget excelling in both epic visuals and practical simulations, from blockbuster movies to flight training. That's why Apple inked a partnership with the NBA's LA Lakers for live game broadcasts and is adapting games like 'Sniper Elite 4' and 'Control' from Mac and iPad to native Vision Pro formats. As content flows increase and collaborations like Formula 1 intensify, the headset shines for movie nights on a massive virtual screen. Even streaming from platforms like Netflix, BBC, or Sky requires a quick browser login, but the immersion is unmatched.
That said, living with the Vision Pro has become easier, yet it still requires overlooking more quirks than most Apple products. How can a device letting you manipulate digital realms with eye movements and gestures lack a YouTube app? It's a puzzling gap. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this intentional to push Apple's own ecosystem, or just an oversight? One day, it might click, but for now, the Vision Pro must elevate its entertainment game to truly dominate.
Apple Vision Pro (M5) verdict
With the initial hype fading, we can evaluate the Vision Pro on its strengths rather than overhyped promises. Will it match the iPhone's impact? Not at over £3,000. How close is it to perfection? A few more years, though progress has been swift. Do I enjoy it? Absolutely, often to my amazement.
In those peak moments – like bingeing a film on a wall-sized display or multitasking MacBook windows Minority Report-style – it's exhilarating. More of this, and it could fulfill its potential.
The Apple Vision Pro retails for £3,199. Grab it at apple.com (https://www.apple.com/uk/apple-vision-pro/).
What do you think? Is the Vision Pro's quiet evolution a stroke of genius, or should Apple have gone bigger with this update? Do you agree that its entertainment focus is the key to success, or is there a better path? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear differing views!
