Snap Inc. will release its first consumer-ready augmented reality smart glasses, dubbed “Specs,” in 2026, escalating its competition with tech giant Meta in the rapidly evolving wearable tech market. The lightweight AR glasses mark Snap’s biggest push yet beyond its core Snapchat platform.
Known for its messaging app and innovative filters, Snap has heavily invested in augmented reality to expand beyond digital advertising. The upcoming Specs will overlay digital effects onto real-world environments, enhancing user interaction through wearable tech.
Snap previously launched its fifth-generation Spectacles in 2023, but they were limited to developers. With over $3 billion invested in AR development over 11 years, CEO Evan Spiegel revealed at the Augmented World Expo 2025 that building smart glasses was a foundational goal even before Snapchat had chat capabilities.
The move comes amid rising competition. Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and their integration of AI features have spurred rivals like Google to ramp up efforts in the space. Snap is partnering with Niantic Spatial to enhance its Lens Studio, a key tool for creating AR content compatible with both Snapchat and Specs.
Swifteradio.com
