Snap taps Qualcomm to power upcoming Specs AR hardware

Snap has announced a new partnership with chipmaker Qualcomm to power its AR-glasses-focused subsidiary, Specs. Under the strategic agreement, Specs hardware will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR platforms. These platforms are systems-on-a-chip—integrated circuits that combine all the necessary components of a computer or electronic system—specifically designed to power augmented and virtual reality devices.

According to a press release, the two companies will develop on-device AI, graphics, and multiuser digital experiences. On-device AI refers to artificial intelligence processing performed locally on the hardware itself rather than on remote servers. This collaboration aims to advance a product line that Snap has been developing for over a decade. The company released its last consumer-facing version of the glasses in 2019, and since 2024, the glasses have remained a developer-only product. This developer-only phase has given Snap the opportunity to work on seeding new programs that the company hopes will draw users to the product upon launch.

The partnership comes amid recent leadership changes at the subsidiary. In February, Snap reportedly parted ways with Scott Myers, the former SVP of Specs, following a conflict between him and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel. The departure followed a reported “blow-up” between the two executives. Despite the internal friction, Spiegel expressed optimism about the new hardware foundation. “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,” Spiegel said.

Why it matters

This partnership secures the critical silicon foundation for Snap’s long-gestating AR hardware, signaling a push to move beyond developer-only prototypes toward a broader consumer release.