Apple Vision Pro's M5 Chip Delivers "Insane" 4Kx4K 120Hz Wireless PC VR Performance

Technology analyst Brad Lynch has lauded the Apple Vision Pro's M5 decoder, highlighting its exceptional capability for wireless PC virtual reality (VR) streaming. Lynch noted the device can handle 4K x 4K resolution per eye, 10-bit HEVC encoding, and a 120Hz refresh rate "with no struggle at all," even while simultaneously screen recording. This observation underscores a significant performance leap for Apple's spatial computer in the demanding PC VR landscape.

The enhanced performance stems from a recent upgrade to the Apple Vision Pro, which now features the powerful M5 chip. Apple officially introduced this M5-powered version on October 15, 2025, with availability starting October 22, 2025. The M5 chip provides a substantial boost over the previous M2 model, improving overall system performance, display rendering by 10 percent more pixels, and enabling a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals.

Wireless PC VR streaming to the Apple Vision Pro is facilitated by third-party applications such as ALVR and iVRy, which act as bridges between gaming PCs and the headset. These tools allow users to access a vast library of SteamVR games, leveraging the Vision Pro's high-resolution micro-OLED displays. While the setup requires a robust gaming PC and a stable Wi-Fi connection, the M5 chip's decoding prowess appears to mitigate potential bottlenecks.

Lynch's assessment, shared via social media, specifically praised the M5 decoder, stating, "> Apple Vision Pro’s M5 decoder is freaking insane for wireless PC VR. 4K x 4K per eye HEVC, 10-Bit, at 120hz. With no struggle at all.. even while screen recording this clip and using the wacky breakthrough features." This suggests the M5's dedicated media engine is highly efficient, allowing for demanding tasks like high-fidelity VR streaming and concurrent screen capture without performance degradation.

This development could broaden the appeal of the Apple Vision Pro beyond its native visionOS applications, positioning it as a viable, albeit premium, option for PC VR enthusiasts. The ability to seamlessly stream high-quality PC VR content could attract a new segment of users and further integrate the device into the wider virtual reality ecosystem, showcasing the M5 chip's versatility in spatial computing applications.