Apple unveiled the Vision Pro 2 in October 2025. The device builds on the original Vision Pro. It introduces upgrades in performance and comfort. Priced at $3,499, it targets enthusiasts and professionals. Spatial computing remains its core focus. Users blend digital content with the real world. This review covers design, display, hardware, software, battery, and more. Hands-on testing reveals strengths and weaknesses.
Design and Build Quality
The Vision Pro 2 retains a sleek aluminum frame. Glass fronts the device. It weighs 650 grams. The weight distribution feels balanced during use. Apple added a Dual Knit Band. The band uses soft fabric. It reduces pressure on the head. Users report less fatigue after extended sessions. The Light Seal cushions the face. It blocks external light. Custom inserts fit different face shapes. Magnets attach the band securely.
Controls stay intuitive. A digital crown sits on the side. It adjusts immersion levels. A top button captures spatial photos. Eye tracking handles selections. Hand gestures navigate menus. Pinches and swipes feel natural after practice. The external battery pack connects via cable. It clips to clothing easily.
Build quality impresses. Materials resist scratches. The device withstands daily handling. Water resistance reaches IP54 rating. It handles splashes without issue. Colors include silver and black. Accessories like cases sell separately.
Display and Visual Experience
Displays define the Vision Pro 2. Each eye gets a micro-OLED panel. Resolution hits 4K per eye. Pixel density exceeds 3,000 PPI. Images appear sharp. Text reads clearly from any distance. The device renders 10% more pixels than the original. Colors pop vividly. HDR support enhances contrast.
Refresh rate climbs to 120Hz. Motion blur reduces in fast scenes. Gaming benefits greatly. Field of view spans 110 degrees. Peripheral vision feels immersive. Foveated rendering optimizes performance. It sharpens where eyes focus.
Passthrough cameras show the real world. Latency stays under 12ms. Surroundings look natural. Low-light performance improves. Night use avoids graininess. Augmented elements overlay seamlessly. Virtual screens float in space. Users resize them freely.
Performance and Hardware
The M5 chip powers the Vision Pro 2. It delivers massive gains over the M2. CPU speed increases by 50%. GPU handles complex renders smoothly. Neural Engine accelerates AI tasks. 16GB unified memory multitasks without lag. Storage starts at 256GB. Higher options reach 2TB.
Benchmarks show fluid operation. Apps launch instantly. Spatial videos play without stutter. Machine learning features like object recognition work in real time. Heat management keeps the device cool. Fans remain quiet.
Sensors include LiDAR for depth mapping. Accelerometers track head movement. IR cameras monitor eyes. Audio comes from spatial speakers. Sound directs from virtual sources. Microphones capture clear voice input.
Software and visionOS Features
visionOS 3 runs the show. The interface uses eye and hand input. Home view displays apps in 3D space. Users arrange icons freely. Multitasking supports multiple windows. Drag and drop moves content between apps.
Personas represent users in calls. AI generates avatars from photos. Expressions mirror real faces. SharePlay syncs media with friends. Guests join virtual spaces. Productivity apps like Pages float as giant screens. Safari browses the web immersively.
Entertainment shines. Apple TV+ streams in 8K. Spatial audio surrounds viewers. Games like Fruit Ninja use gestures. Developers add AR elements. Health features track fitness. Meditation apps create calm environments.
Security locks with Optic ID. It scans iris patterns. Data encrypts on device. Privacy controls limit app access. Updates deliver new features quarterly.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery lasts up to 2.5 hours for mixed use. Video playback reaches 3 hours. The external pack weighs 350 grams. It charges via USB-C. Full charge takes 45 minutes. Wired mode allows unlimited runtime.
Power management optimizes usage. Dimming saves energy. Low-power mode extends sessions. Users swap packs for longer outings. Accessories include extra batteries.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort improves significantly. The Dual Knit Band distributes weight evenly. Padding conforms to head shapes. Adjustments fit snugly. Sessions last 2 hours without discomfort. Sweat-resistant materials clean easily.
Eye strain reduces with better optics. Prescription inserts integrate seamlessly. Ventilation prevents fogging. The device suits glasses wearers. Long-term use avoids headaches for most.
Content Ecosystem and Apps
App Store offers over 2,000 native apps. Titles span productivity to gaming. Microsoft Office runs in spatial mode. Adobe apps edit photos in 3D. Streaming services like Netflix support immersion.
Spatial videos capture memories. iPhone 15 Pro shoots them. Playback relives moments. Photos app displays panoramas life-size. Developers push boundaries. Enterprise apps train workers virtually.
Compatibility extends to Mac. Virtual displays mirror screens. iPad apps run natively. Continuity features switch tasks seamlessly.
Audio and Communication
Spatial audio creates directional sound. Podcasts feel conversational. Music surrounds listeners. Headphones pair via Bluetooth. Built-in mics enable calls.
FaceTime uses Personas. Groups chat in shared spaces. Collaboration tools share documents. Emoji reactions appear in 3D.
Camera and Photography
12MP cameras capture spatial photos. Depth data adds layers. Users explore images interactively. Video records at 4K 60fps. Stabilization smooths footage.
AR overlays enhance captures. Filters apply in real time. Sharing sends immersive files.
Gaming and Entertainment
Games leverage gestures. Controllers connect optionally. Titles like Beat Saber engage physically. Multiplayer modes join friends virtually.
Movies play on massive screens. Theaters simulate IMAX. Subtitles float appropriately.
Productivity and Professional Use
Virtual desks expand workspaces. Multiple monitors float around. Keyboard tracking types accurately. Mouse support adds precision.
Creative pros model in 3D. Architects walk through designs. Surgeons practice procedures safely.
Health and Accessibility
EyeSight displays expressions externally. It shows user focus. Accessibility features read text aloud. Voice commands navigate menus.
Fitness apps track workouts. Meditation guides reduce stress. Health data integrates with iPhone.
Pricing and Availability
The Vision Pro 2 starts at $3,499. Storage upgrades add cost. Accessories like bands sell extra. Availability covers major markets. Stores offer demos.
Pros of Vision Pro 2
Performance leaps with M5 chip. Comfort suits longer wear. Display sharpness impresses. Software matures steadily. Ecosystem integrates tightly.
Cons of Vision Pro 2
Price excludes many. Weight tires some users. Battery limits mobility. Content library grows slowly. Isolation feels odd socially.
Competition and Market Position
Quest 3 competes at lower price. It focuses on gaming. Vision Pro 2 emphasizes premium quality. Enterprise adoption favors Apple. Consumer market tests patience.
Future Updates and Roadmap
visionOS 4 promises more features. Hardware revisions may lighten weight. Price drops could broaden appeal. Apple eyes AR glasses next.
User Experiences and Feedback
Early adopters praise immersion. Professionals value productivity. Casual users enjoy media. Complaints center on cost and battery.
Environmental Impact
Recycled materials build the device. Packaging minimizes plastic. Apple commits to carbon neutral by 2030.
Security and Privacy Measures
End-to-end encryption protects data. Optic ID secures access. App permissions limit tracking.
Accessories and Customization
Cases protect during travel. Extra bands suit styles. Lenses correct vision.
Integration with Apple Ecosystem
Seamless sync with iPhone. Watch controls playback. Mac extends displays.
Final Verdict
The Vision Pro 2 refines spatial computing. Upgrades address key issues. It leads the category. High price limits reach. Enthusiasts find value. Others wait for affordability.
