Snap has inked a strategic partnership with chipmaker Qualcomm to fuel its long-awaited augmented reality glasses, Spectacles, signaling a push toward a consumer launch later this year. The deal, announced through a press release, involves a multi-year agreement to develop on-device AI, advanced graphics, and multiuser digital experiences, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR platforms designed for AR and VR 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 release. This move follows Snap’s spin-off of a new company earlier this year dedicated solely to the Spectacles venture, underscoring its renewed commitment after years of dormancy.
The journey of Spectacles 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 restricted to developers, allowing Snap to cultivate programs intended to attract users upon launch. This developer-only phase aimed to seed innovative applications that could drive adoption once the product hits the market.
Earlier this year, Snap faced internal turbulence when it parted ways with Scott Myers, the SVP of Specs, reportedly due to a clash between Myers and Spiegel. Despite this setback, the Qualcomm partnership indicates ongoing momentum for the project, positioning it as a key initiative in Snap’s AR strategy.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR systems-on-a-chip will serve as the hardware backbone for Spectacles, enabling the glasses to handle complex AR tasks locally. This collaboration aims to deliver cutting-edge performance that could differentiate Snap’s offering in a crowded wearable tech landscape, as the company seeks to revive its AR ambitions after a prolonged hiatus.
