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Snapchat unveils Snap OS 2 for its upcoming Spectacles AR glasses

Avatar for Michael Burkhardt  | Sep 15 2025 - 6:00 am PT
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Today, Snap is announcing the second version of its Snap OS operating system, destined for its soon-to-be-released Snap Spectacles AR glasses. It includes a number of noteworthy features: including a new browser, remarkable new lenses, and much more.

Snap unveiled its fifth generation Snap Spectacles last year to developers, and the company intends on shipping a version of them to consumers sometime in 2026. In the meanwhile, Snap and its developers have been working tirelessly to bring this product to life. It’s new Snap OS 2.0 release is just one part of it.

I tried Snap Spectacles late last year, and they were certainly quite impressive for what are essentially the first fully standalone pair of AR glasses: no phone or external compute puck required. Nonetheless, let’s dive into what’s new with Snap OS 2.0.

New features

In this new release, Snapchat has overhauled its web browser with faster load times, a new home screen with widgets and bookmarks, and support for WebXR. This opens the door to immersive experiences in the web.

Additionally, there’ll be a new Spotlight lens, allowing users to play content from Snapchat creators right in front of them in 3D, without needing to utilize a phone.

There’s also going to be a new Gallery lens, making it easier to view your moments from Spectacles in a interactive carousel. In this Gallery, you can also organize videos prior to sending them or posting them.

Last but not least, there’ll be a new travel mode for when you’re using Spectacles outside of home. This’ll keep all of your AR content anchored, even if you’re in a moving vehicle like a plane, train, or car.

Synth Riders, a popular VR dance rhythm game, will also be launching on Spectacles.

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Avatar for Michael Burkhardt Michael Burkhardt

Michael is a 9to5Mac Reporter, leading all of our Apple news coverage on weekends and reviewing the newest Apple products and accessories. He got started in the world of Apple news during the pandemic, and it became a growing hobby. He’s also an indie iOS developer, and started the weekly Indie App Spotlight series, which has covered hundreds of blooming new apps since it launched. In his free time, he enjoys shooting street photography around New York City on his Sony A7RV.

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