Snap OS 2.0 Hands-On: 3 Things I Love and 1 Thing I Hate

Snap, the social media company turned AR glasses-maker, has unveiled Snap OS 2.0, the next generation of its smart glasses software. As I had the opportunity to test it out at Snap’s London offices recently, I am excited for the release of their first consumer-ready smart glasses in eight years, scheduled for 2026.

The original Snap Spectacles from 2016 marked a significant shift for the company, moving from a software-first approach to hardware by introducing glasses that could capture the world and augment it back on your phone before sharing with others. After a few iterations, Snap refocused its efforts on developing Spectacles for developers, transitioning to a self-contained computer on your face with cameras to sense the environment and track 3D objects.

With last year’s update to Spectacles and the introduction of Snap OS, the company has been refining its platform with the help of developer partners. My experience with Snap OS 2.0 showcased the progress made in recent months and offered a glimpse into what the upcoming Spectacles in 2026 will offer.

Here are three standout features I enjoyed using, along with one area that Snap still needs to address before the final release:

1. Connected Sessions are amazing: One of the most impressive experiences I tried was Connected Sessions. Working with Snap’s Augmented Reality Engineer, I joined a session where we could paint 3D shapes in the air together, showcasing low latency and real-time interactions between two AR users in the same physical space. This feature has the potential to revolutionize local collaboration and multiplayer gaming.
2. Powerful Spotlight, Browser, and Gallery features: Snap OS 2.0 introduces Spotlight, Browser, and Gallery functionalities, allowing users to interact with vertical content, browse the web in AR, and view captured content seamlessly. The inclusion of WebXR support enhances the browsing experience, while the ability to view 3D media adds depth to the content.
3. Impressive AI sound and vision: The latest AI integrations in Spectacles enable users to interact with the world around them. Features like Spatial Tips and Super Travel provide real-time information and translations by overlaying relevant data onto physical objects, enhancing the overall AR experience.
4. Lower profile Spectacles are needed: Despite the technological advancements packed into the latest Spectacles, the form factor remains a challenge. The bulky design and protruding components make the glasses less ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing. To make Spectacles more appealing for everyday use, Snap will need to focus on creating a more compact and stylish design.

   In conclusion, Snap OS 2.0 showcases the company’s commitment to advancing AR technology and creating immersive experiences for users. While there are areas for improvement, such as the design of the Spectacles, the potential of Snap’s smart glasses platform is promising. As we look forward to the release of consumer-ready Spectacles in 2026, the future of AR technology looks bright with Snap leading the way.