Snap has officially introduced SPECS, its newest augmented reality (AR) glasses, marking a significant step toward a future where computing extends beyond smartphones. Unveiled by Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, the standalone wearable blends augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and spatial computing into a lightweight design intended for everyday use.
The glasses are available for pre-order starting today at $2,195, with customers required to place a refundable $200 deposit. Shipments are expected to begin this fall across the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.
According to Spiegel, SPECS represent a major milestone in Snap’s vision of creating a more intuitive computing experience that integrates seamlessly with daily life rather than relying on conventional screens.
“For decades, computers have asked us to look down, sit still, or step out of the moment. SPECS bring computing into the world around us,” Spiegel said during the launch event.
Positioned between basic AI-powered smart glasses and bulky mixed-reality headsets, SPECS are designed to deliver both comfort and functionality. The device operates independently and does not require a smartphone, external battery pack, or separate computing unit.
Constructed from Swiss TR90 polymer, the glasses are offered in two sizes. The smaller version weighs 132 grams, while the larger model comes in at 136 grams. Prescription lens inserts are also available for users who require vision correction.
SPECS feature Snap’s proprietary display system, offering a 51-degree field of view and support for 16 million colours. The company claims the experience is comparable to working on a 24-inch desktop monitor or watching content on a virtual 115-inch cinema screen positioned about 10 feet away.
Powering the device are two Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. One chip manages computer vision functions, while the other handles augmented reality experiences, known as Lenses. Snap says this dual-chip architecture enables improved hand tracking, reduced latency, and more natural placement of virtual objects within real-world environments.
The glasses can overlay navigation instructions, measurements, and AI-generated contextual information directly into a user’s field of view. They also support video streaming, screen mirroring, virtual workspaces, and access to a wide range of AR experiences developed by Snap’s creator community.
Battery life is rated at up to four hours of mixed-use operation, covering AI features, AR applications, notifications, and media playback. The included charging case provides four additional charges, extending total usage to roughly 20 hours.
In addition to the hardware launch, Snap introduced new developer tools aimed at expanding the SPECS ecosystem. These include AI-powered Lens creation features, a Native Development Kit, and benchmarking tools designed to support more sophisticated spatial computing applications.
Privacy remains a key focus, with SPECS featuring a recording indicator light, on-device processing for select tasks, and user controls over how data is stored, synchronized, and shared.
With the launch of SPECS, Snap is making one of its most ambitious hardware moves yet, positioning AR glasses as a potential successor to smartphones and traditional computing devices in the years to come.