Snap Inc. has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Qualcomm to power its upcoming consumer augmented reality glasses with Snapdragon XR chips. The collaboration marks a significant step forward for Snap's AR hardware ambitions after years of development.

The new AR glasses are still scheduled to launch sometime this year, according to the companies' announcement. The partnership represents Snap's continued commitment to developing consumer-focused smart eyewear technology.

Snap has been working on smart glasses technology for approximately a decade, beginning with its first Spectacles model that featured camera capabilities. The company has previously released multiple iterations of its camera-equipped glasses under the Spectacles brand.

The partnership with Qualcomm specifically focuses on integrating Snapdragon XR processing technology into Snap's next-generation AR glasses. This represents a shift from camera-only functionality to more advanced augmented reality capabilities.

The announcement comes as the broader tech industry continues to invest heavily in AR and VR technologies, with multiple companies working to develop consumer-ready smart glasses and headsets for mainstream adoption.