Snap’s next AR glasses will use Qualcomm chips
▼ Summary
– Snap’s new consumer AR glasses are scheduled to launch sometime this year.
– The glasses will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR chip, based on a new multi-year agreement.
– Snap has been developing smart glasses for a decade, starting with camera-equipped Spectacles in 2016.
– Recent generations of Spectacles have featured AR capabilities but were not sold to the general public.
– This is not the first collaboration between Snap and Qualcomm on such hardware.
The next generation of Snap’s consumer augmented reality glasses is confirmed to launch in 2026, powered by a new multi-year strategic agreement with Qualcomm. This partnership will see the forthcoming Spectacles utilize a dedicated Snapdragon XR chipset, marking a significant step in making advanced AR hardware available to the general public.
Snap’s journey into wearable technology spans a decade, beginning with the original camera-equipped Spectacles that debuted in 2016. While recent iterations have introduced true AR capabilities, overlaying digital content onto the physical environment, these models have remained limited to developers and creators. The shift to a Qualcomm-powered platform for a consumer release signals a major push toward mainstream accessibility and performance.
This collaboration builds on an existing relationship between the two companies. Qualcomm’s chips have previously been integrated into Snap’s developer-focused AR glasses, laying the technical groundwork for this expanded venture. The move to a dedicated XR chipset, rather than a modified mobile processor, is expected to deliver the enhanced computing power, graphics rendering, and thermal efficiency necessary for compelling all-day wearable AR experiences.
The announcement underscores the intensifying competition within the AR hardware sector. By securing a long-term chip supply and co-development agreement, Snap aims to solidify its position and accelerate its hardware roadmap. The success of these consumer Spectacles will likely hinge on their ability to balance advanced features with a comfortable form factor and a compelling price point, challenges the new Qualcomm architecture is designed to address.
(Source: The Verge)
