The Apple Vision Pro with M5 has arrived, and it's available for exactly the same price as Apple's first headset with M2. But don't expect that price to drop with a trade-in, as there's no option available.
On its store page, the upgraded M5 Vision Pro is available to pre-order, with the headset officially set to launch on October 22. Prices start at $3,499, meaning there's no price bump over the first-gen headset, but the original Vision Pro isn't available for trade-in.
While it's great to hear that Apple hasn't increased the price of its more powerful M5 headset, Apple's steep $3,499 price for the updated Vision Pro continues the problems it had with its first take on a spatial computing device. Being able to trade in the older Vision Pro would drop that price down to make for a more valuable upgrade, but that isn't the case here.
Usually, Apple offers trade-in options for its iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac products, giving customers a way to save on the latest models while getting rid of their older devices. As for one of the Cupertino tech giant's most expensive devices, though, the Vision Pro doesn't make the cut.
Now that the first Apple Vision Pro with M2 has been discontinued with the arrival of the upgraded M5 headset, and with no trade-in path to take, those with the first-gen device looking for an upgrade will either have to pay full price or look for another way to sell the original headset.
Who is the Vision Pro with M5 for?
One of the biggest pain points of the first Apple Vision Pro was its super expensive price. It's one of the reasons why the headset didn't take off, and why more affordable VR headsets like the popular Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S saw success.
With the Vision Pro with M5, Apple may not have increased the price, but it's still set at an incredibly expensive $3,499. At the very least, compared to the M2 Vision Pro, you'll get upgraded performance, specs and the comfier Dual Knit Band without any price jumps, which is always welcome.
But many who weren't willing to pay for the first headset due to its heavy cost aren't likely to budge with the upgraded headset set at the same price. And for those who did, there's no incentive to grab the updated Vision Pro, as without a trade-in option saving them a huge chunk of change, they'd otherwise be paying full price again.
While Apple brings M5 performance, an improved 120Hz refresh rate and slightly longer battery life, the new Vision Pro isn't a major departure from the original headset. So, who is the new Vision Pro headset for?
Once we get the headset in our hands, we'll see how well the Apple Vision Pro with M5 performs and whether the upgrades are worth it. For now, find out what you can expect from the next-gen M5 MacBook Pro and M5 iPad Pro.
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