Snap’s $2,195 Specs Take Aim at Apple Vision Pro, Meta AI Glasses

Snap Inc. introduced its updated Specs augmented reality glasses on Tuesday, setting a $2,195 price tag while expanding their capabilities beyond earlier models. The new glasses include high-resolution lens projections for notifications, directions, and third-party apps, alongside an AI assistant powered by cameras that provide contextual awareness of the wearer’s surroundings. Snap aims to bridge the gap between high-end headsets like Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s lightweight AI glasses, positioning Specs as a more versatile wearable computing option. The glasses feature four hours of battery life, with the included case allowing four full recharges, enabling all-day use with periodic charging. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel downplayed the potential of screen-free smart glasses, stating they offer limited functionality, while emphasizing Specs’ comfort and practicality for daily wear. The company’s shift comes after years of focusing on developer editions, while competitors like Meta have seen commercial success with its Ray-Ban and Oakley partnerships. Snap’s move reflects broader industry trends, with Apple and Google reportedly planning their own smart glasses entries in the coming years. The company has faced financial challenges, including recent layoffs of over 1,000 employees, though its Snapchat+ subscription service has grown to generate over $1 billion in annual revenue. Snap has also partnered with AI firms like Perplexity to integrate AI search into its platform. Despite these advancements, Snapchat’s growth may face hurdles as governments like the UK consider bans on social media use for under-16s, potentially limiting its user base. The new Specs glasses mark a strategic pivot for Snap, leveraging augmented reality as a potential growth driver amid declining ad revenue and increasing competition in the wearable tech space.