Snap has unveiled Snap OS 2.0 ahead of its public launch of Spectacles in 2026, representing the latest advancement in the company’s augmented reality (AR) hardware strategy. The upgrade follows the release of Snap’s fifth-generation Spectacles to developers in 2024.

The new operating system features an overhauled browser with a minimalist design, improved page loading speed, and reduced power consumption. A new home screen includes widgets and bookmarks, while an updated toolbar provides enhanced navigation controls. The browser now supports WebXR, enabling immersive augmented reality experiences directly from compatible websites.

“We’ve optimized page loading speed and power usage so you can navigate quickly and easily,” Snap said in its announcement.

Snap OS 2.0 also introduces a dedicated Spotlight Lens that overlays content spatially onto the real world, allowing users to view videos hands-free. The update includes a Gallery Lens for viewing and organizing captured content before sharing.

A new Travel Mode stabilizes AR content while users are in motion, whether on planes, trains, or in passenger seats of vehicles.

The AR Vision

Snap has invested significantly in its AR vision, spending “11 years and more than $3 billion to invent a new type of computer for augmented reality,” according to a June announcement. The company positions its upcoming Specs as “an ultra-powerful wearable computer integrated into a lightweight pair of glasses with see-through lenses.”

The development incorporates several key technologies, including advanced machine learning for environmental understanding, AI assistance in three-dimensional space, shared multiplayer experiences, and flexible workstation capabilities.

Snap reports hundreds of developers from 30 countries are currently developing Lenses for Spectacles. Notable applications include SightCraft by Enklu, NavigatAR by Utopia Labs, and Pool Assist by Studio ANRK.

Gaming integration advances with the announcement that Synth Riders, a rhythm-based dancing game, will soon be available on Spectacles.

Competitive Challenges

Snap’s AR initiative comes amid growing competition from larger tech companies. According to Social Media Today, the challenge Snap faces is contending with rivals who have greater resources and are developing similar technologies. Meta’s AR glasses, expected to be released in 2027, are anticipated to offer enhanced power, extended battery life, and a wider field of view, potentially at a competitive price point.

Snap’s strategy appears to leverage its early lead in the consumer AR glasses market, building on its established connection with its core audience ahead of competitors’ launches.

The company continues to frame its AR efforts as an evolution of its mission to “make technology feel more human,” building on the design philosophy that shaped its approach to ephemeral messaging and vertical video in its flagship Snapchat application.

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