Snap has inked a strategic deal with Qualcomm to embed its Snapdragon XR platforms into the upcoming Spectacles AR glasses, marking a pivotal step toward a consumer release slated for later this year. This multi-year partnership, announced via press release, focuses on developing on-device artificial intelligence, advanced graphics, and multi-user digital experiences, leveraging Qualcomm’s systems-on-a-chip designed for augmented and virtual reality devices.
“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 in the statement. The collaboration signals renewed momentum for the project, which has faced a protracted development cycle and recent internal upheavals.
Earlier this year, Snap spun off a new subsidiary, Specs, dedicated solely to the AR glasses venture, following years of teasing the product under the Spectacles brand. In February, the company abruptly terminated Scott Myers, its Senior Vice President of Specs, reportedly due to a clash between Myers and Spiegel. Despite these challenges, the Qualcomm alliance underscores Snap’s commitment to reviving its wearable ambitions.
The Spectacles saga spans over a decade, with Snap initiating development more than ten years ago. The last consumer version debuted in 2019, and since 2024, the glasses have been available exclusively to developers. This developer-only phase has allowed Snap to cultivate programs intended to attract users upon the product’s eventual launch.
With Qualcomm’s chip technology at its core, the new Spectacles aim to deliver cutting-edge AR capabilities, positioning Snap to compete in the increasingly crowded wearable market. The partnership highlights a strategic pivot toward hardware-driven innovation as the company seeks to expand beyond its social media roots.
