Snap has officially opened pre-orders for its latest consumer-focused augmented reality (AR) glasses, known as Specs, signaling a major step toward bringing immersive AR experiences to everyday users.

Unveiled during the Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2026, the new Specs are designed to blend digital content with the real world through transparent displays embedded directly into the lenses. Unlike traditional smart glasses that primarily focus on notifications or media playback, Specs aim to deliver true augmented reality experiences by placing interactive digital elements within the user's field of view.

The device represents Snap's latest effort to expand beyond its social media roots and establish itself within the growing extended reality (XR) ecosystem. The company has positioned Specs as a new computing platform that could complement or potentially reduce reliance on smartphones for certain digital interactions.

Starting at USD 699, the glasses are now available for pre-order and are expected to ship later this year. The product includes support for AR applications developed through Snap's ecosystem, enabling users to interact with digital content in a more immersive and intuitive manner.

The launch comes amid increasing competition in the smart eyewear market. Technology giants including Samsung, Google, Meta, and Apple continue investing heavily in XR technologies as they compete to shape the future of wearable computing.

Samsung and Google are currently developing Android XR-powered smart glasses, while Meta has expanded its smart glasses portfolio through partnerships with eyewear brands. These developments reflect growing industry confidence that AR-enabled wearables could become a significant part of the next generation of consumer technology.

As hardware becomes lighter, more powerful, and increasingly affordable, the race to deliver practical AR experiences to mainstream users is accelerating. Snap's latest Specs launch represents another milestone in the evolution of smart glasses, bringing the industry closer to a future where digital information can seamlessly integrate with the physical world.