Snap to Launch Specs, Its First Smart Glasses for Consumers, in 2026
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Snap, the company known for Snapchat and its augmented reality (AR) lenses, announced it will launch its first smart glasses, called Specs, to consumers in 2026. This move positions Snap to compete directly with Meta and other tech giants in the burgeoning wearable technology sector.
The proclamation, made on June 10, highlights Snap’s commitment to AR, which allows users to overlay digital effects onto real-world images and videos. Integrating technology into wearable products represents a strategic effort to diversify revenue streams amid ongoing volatility in the digital advertising market, which is currently valued at $626.86 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $876.44 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.92% according to Mordor Intelligence.
Snap’s Investment in Augmented Reality
Snap has invested over $3 billion in developing its AR glasses over the past 11 years,according to Snap co-founder and CEO Evan Spiegel,speaking at the Augmented World Expo 2025. This substantial investment underscores the company’s long-term vision for AR and its potential applications.
did You No? Snap’s initial focus was on glasses even before Snapchat became a chat platform.
While Snap previously launched five generations of Spectacles, these were primarily aimed at developers. The 2026 Specs represent the first time the company will offer smart glasses to the general public.
Competitive Landscape and Features
The success of Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, has spurred other companies, including Google, to explore similar investments. Meta continues to enhance its glasses with AI features to attract a broader consumer base.
Snap’s Specs will initially be available in black, with potential special editions to follow. While Spiegel did not disclose the exact price or hardware specifications, he confirmed that the glasses would cost less than Apple’s $3,499 Vision Pro headset.
The glasses will feature an AI assistant, gaming capabilities, and a “workstation” area for browsing the web and streaming video. Spiegel emphasized the unique capabilities of the glasses, stating, “we’re really focused on and investing in glasses with things that the phone just isn’t capable of.”
Upcoming features include AI assistance for tasks such as changing a tire, setting a table, or improving billiards skills. New Snapchat lenses will offer AR experiences ranging from archery matches to a 3D version of the classic Snake game.
AI Integration and Developer Ecosystem
Over 400,000 developers have created more than 4 million Lenses using Snap’s tools, highlighting the strength of its developer ecosystem.
Specs will integrate with various AI models, including those from OpenAI and Google, enabling developers to build AI-powered Lenses that respond to real-time inputs. The device will also support AI text translation,currency conversion,and recipe suggestions based on refrigerator contents – features already available in the developer version of Snap’s smart glasses.
As the tech industry addresses concerns about AI and privacy, Spiegel assured that Snap is taking these issues seriously. He stated that the device will balance functionality with robust data protection measures, reflecting the company’s commitment to user privacy across all demographics.
Key Specs Features
| Feature | description |
|---|---|
| Augmented Reality (AR) | Overlays digital effects onto real-world views. |
| AI Assistant | Provides assistance with various tasks. |
| gaming | Offers interactive gaming experiences. |
| Workstation | Enables web browsing and video streaming. |
| AI Integration | Supports AI models from OpenAI and Google. |
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on developer adoption rates as a key indicator of specs’ long-term success.
Privacy considerations
Snap emphasizes privacy as a core principle in the development of Specs. The company aims to strike a balance between offering useful features and safeguarding user data. This commitment is notably important as wearable technology becomes more integrated into daily life,raising concerns about data security and personal data.
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The Evolution of Smart glasses
The concept of smart glasses has been around for decades, with early prototypes emerging in the late 20th century. However, it was not until the 2010s that advancements in computing power, display technology, and battery life made smart glasses a viable consumer product. Google Glass, released in 2013, was one of the first widely recognized smart glasses, although it faced criticism due to privacy concerns and its high price point. Since then,companies like Meta,Amazon,and now Snap have continued to innovate in the smart glasses market,focusing on features such as augmented reality,AI integration,and seamless connectivity.
The market for smart glasses is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for wearable technology and the potential for smart glasses to enhance productivity, entertainment, and interaction. According to a report by Statista, the global augmented reality (AR) smart glasses market is projected to reach $17.2 billion by 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions About Snap’s Specs
- When will snap’s Specs be available to consumers?
- Snap plans to launch Specs, its first smart glasses for consumers, in 2026.
- What is the expected price range for Snap’s Specs?
- The price has not been officially announced, but Snap has stated that Specs will cost less than Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which is priced at $3,499.
- What are the key features of Snap’s Specs?
- Key features include augmented reality (AR) capabilities, an AI assistant, gaming functionalities, and a “workstation” area for web browsing and video streaming.
- Will Snap’s Specs integrate with AI models?
- Yes, Specs will integrate with various AI models, including those from OpenAI and Google, allowing developers to create AI-powered Lenses.
- What privacy measures will Snap implement in Specs?
- Snap emphasizes privacy as a core principle and aims to balance functionality with robust data protection measures to safeguard user data.
- How does Snap plan to compete with Meta in the smart glasses market?
- Snap aims to differentiate itself through its focus on augmented reality experiences, AI integration, and a strong developer ecosystem, leveraging its expertise from Snapchat Lenses.
- What is Snap’s long-term vision for augmented reality?
- Snap views augmented reality as a key technology for the future and is investing heavily in developing AR glasses and related software to enhance how people interact with the world.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with a qualified expert for specific guidance.
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