Snap Unveils $2,195 AR Glasses, Takes Aim at Meta

Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP) unveiled its new augmented reality glasses priced at $2,195 at a conference in Long Beach. CEO Evan Spiegel took a subtle jab at rival Meta, arguing that smart glasses represent the "next major leap in computing."

The Product

The new glasses, whose official name has not been disclosed, feature advanced AR technology that overlays digital information onto the user's field of view. They are designed to be lightweight with a battery life of several hours.

Pricing and Availability

The glasses are priced at $2,195 and are available for pre-order now on Snap's website, with shipping expected in Q4 2026. The initial target audience includes developers and early adopters.

Competition

The launch intensifies competition with Meta, which released its Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses last year. Spiegel claimed Snap's glasses offer true AR capabilities, unlike Meta's focus on photography and audio.

Potential Impact on the Company

This move marks a strategic shift for Snap toward hardware, potentially opening a new revenue stream beyond digital advertising. However, the high price and fierce competition may limit mass adoption in the near term.