Snap gets closer to releasing new AI glasses after years-long hiatus

Source: TechCrunch

Image Credits: Brian Heater

Partnership Details

• Specs will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR platforms, a family of system‑on‑chips designed for augmented and virtual reality devices.
• The two companies will develop on‑device AI, cutting‑edge graphics, and advanced multi‑user digital experiences under a multi‑year strategic agreement.
• “Our work with Qualcomm provides a strong foundation for the future of Specs, bringing developers and consumers advanced technology and performance that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Snap CEO Evan Spiegel.

Recent History of Specs

• Spin‑off: Earlier this year Snap spun off a new company to focus exclusively on the AR glasses venture. (TechCrunch article)
• Leadership change: In February, Snap’s SVP of Specs, Scott Myers, left the company after a reported conflict with CEO Evan Spiegel. (TechCrunch article)
• Product timeline:
  • Development began over a decade ago.
  • The last consumer‑facing version of the glasses was released in 2019.
  • Since 2024, the glasses have been a developer‑only product, allowing Snap to seed new programs that could attract users at launch. (TechCrunch article)

Outlook

The Qualcomm partnership signals renewed momentum for Specs, suggesting that Snap aims to bring a polished, consumer‑ready AR glasses experience to market later in 2026. The integration of on‑device AI and advanced graphics could differentiate the product from earlier iterations and position Snap as a serious contender in the emerging AR hardware space.