Apple’s new Vision Pro suspension: This is what the “Dual Band of knitted fabric” can do

Along with the announcement of the second Vision Pro, which gets an M5 chip for the first time, Apple also has a new headband in its lineup. The so-called Dual band made of knitted fabric is an extension of the previous Solo Band and will be included as standard with the new headset in the future. The old Dual Loop Band, which was much simpler in design and was previously included with the first Vision Pro, is no longer included. If you still want it, you have to buy it for 115 euros. But what are the advantages of the new dual band made of knitted fabric?

Pressure relief at the top and bottom

Until now, the Vision Pro had exactly two options for placing the headset on the head – unless you used alternatives from the accessory trade. With the Solo Band made of knitted fabric, which Apple had also used in all its marketing material, this was easy and comfortable at first glance: It is slightly padded and also looked quite good. However, this distributed the pressure to the back of the head, which sometimes also led to a strain on the facial area (counterpressure). The alternative was the aforementioned Dual Loop Band including Velcro. It didn’t look as hip as the Solo Band, but it distributed the pressure better because it was also pulled over the surface of the head. Disadvantage: It has virtually no padding and it is also comparatively thin.

Apple is now looking for salvation in a combination: The Dual Band made of knitted fabric combines fabric at the top of the head with fabric at the bottom of the head – and is made of the same, comfortable material with padding twice. The tightening is done as usual by means of an adjusting screw, which usually works well in practice – it then pulls both areas together or loosens them. The weight distribution should be more balanced overall. Interestingly, this type of construction had already come to the minds of hobbyists who by means of 3D-printed fastening simply combined two of the solo bands.

Pricing and Availability

As mentioned, Apple includes the Dual Band of knitted fabric with the Vision Pro 2 as standard. However, it is also sold individually and also fits the first Vision Pro. The (already high) price has commendably not been increased further: It costs, like the solo version and the Dual Loop Band, 115 euros.

Somewhat annoying: Buyers have to go through a measurement process of the head using a Face ID-enabled iPhone before they are allowed to order so that they can find the right variant – although there are only three (S, L and M). This is already known from other Vision Pro accessories such as the light seal, but seems overkill here, as you have to go through the scan even if you already know its size. The new dual band is to be delivered for the first time in the coming weeks, and an order today is expected to be around November 11. Initial tests will have to show how much more convenient it actually is.