Snap Inc. is preparing to return to the consumer hardware space with a new version of its augmented reality AR glasses. CEO Evan Spiegel announced at the Augmented World Expo in Long Beach, California, that the company will release its new AR smart glasses, dubbed “Specs,” to the public in 2026. According to Snap, these Specs will offer many of the same capabilities as its current developer-focused Spectacles 5 but with a more compact and comfortable design.
The announcement signals Snap’s renewed ambition in the AR space, nearly a decade after its first attempt with Spectacles in 2016. That product struggled in the market due to limited functionality and consumer interest. However, the company believes it is now better positioned to compete, especially as tech giants like Meta and Google ramp up their AR efforts. Snap’s new Specs will feature transparent lenses capable of displaying digital overlays and an integrated AI assistant that can process both audio and video.
Technology, Features, and Developer Tools
Snap’s upcoming Specs will leverage the SnapOS ecosystem, a platform the company has spent years developing to support AR and AI applications. This ecosystem includes thousands of AR experiences, called Lenses, which have been built by developers for Snapchat and Spectacles. Many of these lenses will be compatible with the new Specs, providing users with a wide array of ready-to-use features.
Onstage, Spiegel showcased practical examples of these Lenses. One application, “Super Travel,” can translate signage and menus in real time for travelers. Another tool, “Cookmate,” helps users identify recipes using ingredients on hand and provides cooking instructions step by step. These tools aim to demonstrate the potential of everyday use for AR glasses.
Snap also introduced developer updates designed to support more sophisticated AI features. With access to multimodal AI models from OpenAI and Google DeepMind, developers can now create more immersive and responsive AR apps. A new Depth Module API will also help these apps anchor AR elements more precisely within a 3D space.
Challenges Ahead and Market Competition
Despite the excitement surrounding Snap’s announcement, many questions remain. The company has yet to disclose key details such as the price, sales strategy, and the final design of the Specs. Market competition is also fierce. Meta plans to release its screen-equipped “Hypernova” AR glasses later in 2025, while Google is developing Android XR glasses in collaboration with brands like Warby Parker and Samsung.
Snap hopes to differentiate itself through its established AR ecosystem and developer support. The company also announced a partnership with Niantic Spatial, a spin-off from the makers of Pokémon Go, to help create AI-powered, real-world maps for enhanced AR navigation.
While Snap believes it has found a balance between style, comfort, and function, the real test will be consumer adoption. Turning AR glasses from a futuristic concept into a practical, must-have device may be Snap’s biggest challenge yet.
