Snap Unveils OS 2.0 for AR Glasses with Enhanced Browser, Spotlight Lens, and More

Snap has introduced Snap OS 2.0, the updated software platform for its AR glasses, ahead of the planned 2026 public launch. The update brings a redesigned browser, a dedicated Spotlight Lens for vertical video, a new gallery layout for managing captures, and motion-ready AR stabilisation through Travel mode. The changes aim to make Specs more functional for browsing, content viewing, sharing, and interactive AR experiences.

Snap Inc. has unveiled Snap OS 2.0, a significant update to its augmented reality (AR) glasses software platform, in anticipation of the 2026 public launch of its consumer AR glasses, known as Specs. The latest iteration of Snap OS brings several enhancements designed to improve functionality, user experience, and readiness for the broader consumer market.

The key updates in Snap OS 2.0 include a redesigned browser, a dedicated Spotlight Lens for vertical video, and a new gallery layout for managing captures. Additionally, the update introduces motion-ready AR stabilization through Travel Mode, which enhances the glasses' ability to function effectively in moving vehicles such as planes, trains, and cars.

The redesigned browser in Snap OS 2.0 features improved performance, power efficiency, and ease of use. It includes widgets, bookmarks, and the ability to resize windows to different aspect ratios. Furthermore, the browser supports WebXR, enabling cross-platform web-based AR experiences. However, it's important to note that the limited onboard compute power of the current Spectacles hardware limits the complexity of these experiences.

The introduction of the Spotlight Lens allows users to browse and view vertical videos directly from the AR glasses. This feature aligns with Snap's goal of reducing phone usage by providing a more immersive and convenient way to consume content.

The new gallery layout in Snap OS 2.0 enables users to preview photos captured using the glasses' onboard camera and quickly scroll through them with hand gestures. This feature enhances the ability to manage and share content, making the AR glasses more functional for everyday use.

Travel Mode, a notable addition in Snap OS 2.0, ensures that positional tracking works properly on moving vehicles. This feature was first introduced by Apple on its Vision Pro and has since been adopted by other AR devices. Snap's implementation of Travel Mode is expected to work on planes, trains, and even cars, making the glasses more versatile for travel.

The updates in Snap OS 2.0 are part of Snap's broader strategy to make its AR platform more useful and functional for consumers. The company has been focusing on improving the developer experience and adding capabilities to the Spectacles hardware since its launch in 2023. However, the current Spectacles are still primarily targeted at developers and educators, with a monthly subscription fee of $99 for regular users and $50 for students.

The upcoming 2026 launch of Specs is expected to feature a smaller, lighter, and more capable form factor compared to the current Spectacles. While the exact details of the redesign and the hardware powering Specs remain unknown, the new version of Snap OS demonstrates Snap's commitment to improving the functionality and usability of its AR platform.

In conclusion, Snap's introduction of Snap OS 2.0 represents a significant step forward in the development of its AR glasses. The updates aim to enhance the functionality of the glasses, making them more appealing and useful to a broader consumer audience. As the company prepares for the 2026 launch of Specs, these improvements are likely to play a crucial role in driving adoption and success in the competitive AR market.