Snap Inc (NYSE:SNAP) has announced a new multi-year agreement with Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:QCOM, XETRA:QCI) to power future generations of its augmented reality (AR) eyewear with Snapdragon processors.
The deal centers on Snap’s subsidiary, Specs, which is preparing to launch a new product line called “Specs” later this year. The company describes Specs as standalone, see-through smart glasses designed to integrate digital content into a user’s physical surroundings.
Under the agreement, future versions of Specs will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR platforms, which are designed for extended reality devices. These chips combine artificial intelligence processing with energy-efficient performance, enabling features such as real-time contextual awareness and on-device computing.
The collaboration builds on an existing relationship between the two companies. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platforms have powered several earlier versions of Snap’s Spectacles, with the partnership spanning more than five years.
Both companies said the expanded agreement will focus on long-term product development and technical alignment. Planned capabilities for upcoming devices include enhanced on-device AI, improved graphics performance, and support for shared or multiuser digital experiences.
Snap said that the partnership is also intended to support a growing ecosystem of developers building applications for Specs. The companies aim to provide a consistent hardware roadmap to encourage more advanced software development over time.
Evan Spiegel, Snap CEO, said the company believes the future of computing will be “more human” and “grounded in the real world.”
“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.
Cristiano Amon, Qualcomm CEO, highlighted the role of context-aware devices that can respond to what users see and hear in real time.
“Our work on future generations of Specs will enable power-efficient interactive AR devices that deliver agentic experiences that feel natural, intuitive and integrate seamlessly into daily life,” Amon said.
Shares of Qualcomm traded up 2% on the news, while Snap stock edged 1% lower.