By Snap Inc (NYSE: SNAP) chief executive Evan Spiegel made waves during a CNBC interview at the Future Investment Initiative conference this week, where he previewed the firm’s AR glasses set to launch in 2026.
Spiegel emphasized that Snap has been investing in wearable computing for over a decade, even before Snapchat had a chat feature – and that his company’s AR glasses will be “infinitely more capable than Meta’s smart glasses.”
The CEO’s remarks arrive at a time when SNAP stock is struggling to turn green for the year.
At less than $8.0, it’s currently down nearly 40% versus its year-to-date high in early January.
How Snap’s AR glasses compare to Meta’s smart glasses
Spiegel didn’t mince words when contrasting Snap’s “Specs” with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. “They really aren’t capable of all that much. They’re AirPods and a camera,” he said.
In contrast, Snap’s upcoming AR glasses are designed to be a full-fledged wearable computer with a see-through form factor.
The goal here is to help users “look up and experience the world and technology at the same time,” rather than being tethered to screens.
Specs will offer real-time AR overlays, spatial awareness, and interactive computing – far beyond Meta’s audio-visual enhancements.
“They’ll be more expensive than Ray-Bans, certainly, but infinitely more capable,” Spiegel added, underscoring SNAP’s intent to redefine the category.
What Specs may mean for SNAP shares
Snap’s AR glasses could be a game-changer if they deliver on the promised functionality and user experience.
The company sees a growing consumer fatigue with screen-based interaction, and specs aim to offer a more natural, immersive alternative.
Spiegel noted, “People are exhausted from looking down at screens all day long, and they’re looking for something new and different.”
If Snap can successfully position specs as the next evolution of mobile computing, it could unlock new revenue streams across hardware, software, and advertising – ultimately unlocking multi-year upside in SNAP shares.
However, execution will be key. Investors will be watching closely for product demos, developer ecosystem growth, and early adoption metrics in 2026.
Is Snap stock worth owning heading into 2026?
While the AR glasses narrative is compelling, Snap stock remains a wait-and-see story at best.
The company continues to face headwinds in digital advertising, competition from TikTok and Instagram, and margin pressure.
Its financials show inconsistent profitability, and valuation remains elevated relative to earnings.
More importantly, hardware launches are notoriously difficult – Google Glass and Magic Leap offer cautionary tales.
Without clear visibility into Specs’ pricing, capabilities, or market readiness, the optimism may be premature.
Until Snap Inc proves it can scale AR hardware and monetize it effectively, investors may want to remain cautious.
The promise is real, but the path is still uncertain.
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