Snap CEO Evan Spiegel has announced the upcoming launch of the world's first consumer augmented reality glasses, which are set to be available for sale in 2026, aiming to transition user interaction from smartphones to hands-free experiences.

These new AR glasses, referred to as 'specs', are designed to project displays and 3D images, enabling a range of functionalities including video calls, AI interaction, live translation, gaming, productivity, and fitness enhancements.

Unlike Meta's Orion glasses, which require additional devices for control, Spiegel asserts that Snap's specs are fully standalone, lightweight, and immersive, eliminating the need for external hardware.

Zuckerberg believes that AR glasses will eventually replace smartphones as the primary computing platform, creating competitive challenges for major players like Apple and Google, who are also developing their own AR glasses.

Analysts have noted that Apple's control over its ecosystem could hinder the user experience of competing products, such as Meta's Ray-Bans, by introducing friction to their functionality.

Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, priced at around £250, have already sold over two million units, demonstrating consumer willingness to invest in AR technology.

Despite the enthusiasm for AR glasses, privacy concerns remain a significant barrier to widespread adoption, with many users uncomfortable wearing devices equipped with cameras in sensitive settings like meetings.

Analyst Leo Gebbie expresses skepticism about the mass adoption of AR glasses, questioning whether consumers will be willing to invest in glasses specifically for augmented reality features.

Google's initial attempt at smart glasses with Google Glass in 2014 faced backlash due to privacy issues, but co-founder Sergey Brin has indicated that updated versions will be more discreet and user-friendly.

Carolina Milanesi, an analyst, supports the concept of AR glasses, sharing positive experiences with prototypes that utilize AI models like Gemini, which can recognize objects and provide assistance without requiring detailed user input.

Spiegel aims to outpace competition from Zuckerberg, who has yet to announce a release date for his own AR glasses.

The tech research group IDC predicts a significant increase in smart glasses sales, forecasting nearly nine million units sold in 2025, marking a remarkable 225% growth from the previous year.