Snap has announced an exciting partnership with Qualcomm to power its AR glasses, marking the latest move in what feels like a long-standing odyssey. Dubbed ‘Specs’, these augmented reality spectacles are set for release later this year, but their development history is as complex as they come.

Originally conceived over a decade ago, Specs has been shrouded in secrecy and seen several upheavals. In February 2024, the company abruptly parted ways with Scott Myers, its SVP of Specs, suggesting tensions ran high within the team. The new partnership with Qualcomm signals renewed optimism; the glasses will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR platforms, designed for AR and VR devices.

According to Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, this collaboration is a key step forward: “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.” However, the journey hasn’t been smooth. The last consumer-facing version was released in 2019, since when Specs has only been available to developers, allowing Snap to focus on refining its tech.

Specs’ launch is positioned as a significant move for Snap, which has struggled to find its footing beyond the confines of Snapchat. The glasses aim not just to be fashionable but also functional, promising advanced digital experiences and AI capabilities. Only time will tell if this combination of hardware and software will finally convince users to don Specs and join the augmented reality revolution.