Snap confirmed the cuts on Wednesday and will also close more than 300 open roles. The decision follows pressure from Irenic Capital Management, which recently built a 2.5% stake and called for changes to improve performance.

Irenic had urged the company to trim its workforce, review its investments and consider spinning off or shutting down its augmented reality unit, Specs.

Snap said improvements in artificial intelligence are already helping it reduce repetitive work. That shift, it added, means it can operate with fewer staff while keeping output steady.

Chief executive Evan Spiegel told employees the company expects to save more than $500 million a year by the second half of 2026. Those savings will come mainly from lower costs of operations and reduced stock-based compensation.

The company expects to take charges of between $95 million and $130 million linked to the layoffs. Most of that will fall in the second quarter.

Despite the cuts, Snap pointed to steady business performance. It expects first-quarter revenue of about $1.53 billion, up around 12% from a year earlier. Adjusted core profit is projected at $233 million, ahead of market expectations.

The company’s shares rose more than 10% in premarket trading, although the stock is still down about 31% this year.

Attention is also on Specs, Snap’s augmented reality glasses unit. The business has absorbed more than $3.5 billion in investment and continues to burn roughly $500 million a year. Snap plans to launch the product for consumers later this year, even as competition tightens.

Competitors, including Meta Platforms, already have a lead in the smart glasses market, leaving an interesting watch on the unit’s sustainability.

Snap now joins the list of tech companies cutting jobs in 2026, looking for ways to run leaner operations and improve returns.

Working through four different frame styles, the options range from a large rectangular shape to a slimmer version, similar to the glasses often worn by Tim Cook. There are also two rounded options, one larger, one smaller.

Apple is equally trying out colours including black, ocean blue and light brown, hence, the design is not final. Apple could choose one style or release more than one, depending on how testing goes.

These glasses will not include a display. Instead, Apple is focusing on simple, everyday functions. Users will be able to take photos and videos, answer calls, listen to music and speak to Siri. The cameras are expected to use oval-shaped lenses.

Apple had earlier explored more advanced mixed reality devices, but those plans have not moved smoothly. Its headset, the Apple Vision Pro, drew attention at launch but couldn’t gain wide use, partly due to its high price and size.

Now, Apple appears to be taking a more practical route. These glasses are lighter and easier to wear in daily life. The idea is to build something people will actually use, rather than something ambitious but difficult to adopt.

Competition is already building as Meta Platforms has partnered with EssilorLuxottica to produce Ray-Ban smart glasses, which are already on sale and have gained some traction. 

Other companies are not standing still, with Google and Samsung Electronics working together on their own glasses, while Snap Inc. plans to release a new version of its Specs in 2026.

Apple’s strategy, at least for now, rests on design and usability. In offering different smart glasses frame styles, it is trying to appeal to a wider group of users, much like it did with the Apple Watch.

The company is still some distance from launch. However, its direction is to start simple, focus on everyday use, and build from there.

The two companies confirmed that future Specs devices will run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR platform, extending a partnership that already spans several generations of Snap’s earlier Spectacles hardware.

Those earlier devices mainly targeted developers and never reached wide consumer distribution in their AR form.

Snap has been building smart glasses for years. It first entered the category in 2016 with camera-equipped Spectacles.

Since then, it has moved towards more advanced augmented reality designs that place digital elements into the real world through see-through lenses. Those newer versions stayed within limited releases, largely focused on developers and testing.

Now the company is preparing a wider consumer rollout under its Specs unit, which it formally separated earlier this year to focus entirely on wearable computing.

The upcoming glasses will run standalone and are designed to overlay digital content onto physical surroundings, with built-in audio, visuals and interaction features.

The companies say the new hardware will rely on edge computing and on-device processing. This allows data to be handled directly on the device instead of relying heavily on cloud systems.

The approach is important to Snap’s vision for faster responses and more private interactions in everyday use.

Snap’s leadership sees the project as a step towards a more integrated form of computing.

“We believe the future of computing will be more human and grounded in the real world,” said Evan Spiegel, co-founder and chief executive of Snap Inc.

Qualcomm also described the partnership around more responsive and context-aware devices.

“The next era of computing will be defined by devices that understand what you see, hear and say,” said Cristiano Amon, president and chief executive of Qualcomm Incorporated.

The collaboration builds on more than five years of joint work between both firms. Qualcomm chips have powered earlier Snap Spectacles, particularly models aimed at developers experimenting with augmented reality tools.

This time, both companies say they want to scale that work for consumers. The agreement covers long-term roadmap planning, shared technical development, and support for developers building applications for the Specs platform.

Snap says this should help create a more stable environment for software creators working on AR experiences.

Competition in the smart glasses space is also intensifying. Meta Platforms has already gained early traction with its Ray-Ban smart glasses built with EssilorLuxottica.

Other major players, including Google, Samsung and Apple, are also developing their own versions of AR eyewear, with launches expected over the next few years.

This development comes at a sensitive time for Snap as it tries to expand beyond social media into hardware and immersive computing.

The Specs unit now sits at the centre of that strategy, with plans to attract external investment and build a long-term product line.

The agreement gives the unit a clearer technical base as it prepares for its first consumer product launch.

The announcement adds options to a product line that has gained ground in a market where many AI gadgets have found it difficult to stay resilient.

This time, the company is targeting everyday users who rely on glasses, not just early adopters.

Speaking earlier this year, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said, “billions of people wear glasses or contacts for vision correction.” That point sits at the centre of Meta’s latest move, wanting smart eyewear to feel normal, not experimental.

The new models come in two styles, rectangular and rounded, and will be sold through regular eyewear channels. There is no display built into the lenses. Instead, the glasses rely on voice and audio, supported by a Qualcomm Snapdragon AR chipset.

Users can expect features such as real-time object recognition and location awareness. Meta has also improved the microphones and extended battery life, addressing some of the early complaints about performance.

The glasses are being developed with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban. That partnership continues to give Meta access to a well-known fashion brand, which has helped the product blend into everyday use.

Smart glasses have turned into one of the few areas where AI hardware is finding some traction. While other devices have struggled to prove their usefulness, Meta’s approach leans on something people already wear.

Still, competition is building. Apple is said to be working on its own augmented reality glasses, although its focus remains on the Vision Pro headset for now. Snap has its Spectacles, but adoption has been limited.

Meta’s edge, for now, is the mix of familiar design and added function. In adding prescription support, the company is making a case for daily use rather than occasional novelty.

Pricing has not been confirmed, though earlier versions of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses sold between $299 and $379, suggesting a similar range.

There are still questions around features that recognise objects and capture audio and how data is collected and used. Meta has not given new details on that front with this launch.

More than 200 people are said to be working on the project. The smart speaker will be the first device to launch and sources familiar with the plans say it is likely to cost between $200 and $300. However, it is not expected to ship before February 2027.

The speaker will reportedly include a camera which would allow the device to take in information about users and their surroundings. The report says the feature is designed to support more contextual responses and interactions.

Smart glasses are also in development, but mass production is unlikely before 2028. In addition, the company is said to be exploring a smart lamp and a wearable pin built for AI-powered interactions.

OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The company formally entered the hardware market in 2025 when it acquired io Products, a startup founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, for $6.5 billion. Ive’s design studio is now working with OpenAI on the new devices.

This places OpenAI in competition with technology companies that are already developing or selling smart wearables.

Meta Platforms has recorded strong sales of its Ray-Ban smart glasses, which allow users to take photos, record video and stream content through built-in cameras. The glasses also support AI-driven features.

Apple is reportedly working on its own smart glasses while Google is still experimenting with augmented reality hardware after its earlier Google Glass project.

In building its own devices, OpenAI would better manage how users interact with its software. Instead of relying only on apps and partnerships, it could enhance the full experience, from hardware design to AI features.

However, devices built with cameras and sensors may attract regulatory review. Privacy issues are likely to surface, particularly in regions with strict data protection rules such as the European Union.

For now, the first expected product is the OpenAI smart speaker. If timelines are met, customers will not see it on shelves for at least another year.

This robust growth trajectory is driven by the increasing adoption of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, which are transforming industries like education, gaming, and corporate training by offering immersive and interactive experiences.

As mobile devices become more sophisticated and widespread, the integration of AI-specific innovations is reshaping the global technological landscape.

The Role of AR and VR in Market Expansion

AR and VR technologies are revolutionizing how we engage with digital content. These technologies enable users to experience real-world scenarios through interactive simulations, benefiting fields like education and training by offering hands-on learning opportunities.

For example, in gaming, AR and VR are creating hyper-realistic environments that captivate players and enhance engagement. In the education sector, AR-powered applications are making complex subjects more accessible by presenting them in visually engaging formats.

This widespread adoption of AR and VR is a key factor fueling the demand for mobile AI solutions that enhance these experiences.

AI-Specific Chipsets: Driving Innovation

Smartphone manufacturers are investing heavily in the development of AI-specific chipsets to meet the growing demand for enhanced performance and efficiency.

These chipsets are engineered to optimize AI processing capabilities, enabling real-time analysis and decision-making.

By improving computational efficiency, these specialized processors allow smartphones to handle tasks like image processing, facial recognition, and voice commands with remarkable precision.

This technological leap is not only improving the user experience but also enabling the development of advanced applications that were previously unattainable on mobile platforms.

AI in Mobile Photography

The advent of AI-driven photography tools is transforming how users capture and edit images. AI-powered features like computational photography, object recognition, and scene optimization are making it easier than ever to take professional-grade photos using mobile devices.

These technologies analyze and enhance images in real time, ensuring optimal lighting, clarity, and composition. For instance, AI algorithms can identify and enhance specific elements within a photo, such as faces or landscapes, to deliver stunning results.

This innovation is especially significant in a world where visual content plays a pivotal role in communication and social media engagement.

AI in Gaming, Healthcare, and Education

Beyond photography, AI is becoming integral to various sectors, including gaming, healthcare, and education.

In gaming, AI algorithms enable adaptive gameplay and realistic character interactions, creating dynamic experiences that keep players engaged.

The healthcare industry is leveraging AI in mobile devices for applications like telemedicine, fitness tracking, and early disease detection, making healthcare more accessible and efficient.

Similarly, in education, AI-powered mobile apps are providing personalized learning experiences by analyzing user behavior and tailoring content to individual needs.

The Growing Role of AI-Powered Mobile Features

As mobile devices continue to evolve, AI-powered features are becoming more sophisticated and widespread. Voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa are now staples of the mobile experience, offering seamless interaction and functionality.

These voice-activated tools rely on advanced AI algorithms to understand and respond to natural language, making everyday tasks more convenient. Additionally, facial recognition technology, powered by AI, is enhancing security and personalization on mobile devices.

AR features, which combine digital and physical worlds, are also gaining traction in applications ranging from retail to real estate.

Global Adoption of Mobile AI Technology

The global adoption of mobile AI technology is accelerating due to its diverse applications and transformative potential. From enhancing user experiences to enabling groundbreaking innovations, mobile AI is reshaping industries and driving economic growth.

Emerging markets are witnessing rapid adoption as smartphone penetration increases and technological infrastructure improves.

This trend is opening new opportunities for businesses and developers to create AI-driven solutions tailored to local needs and preferences.

[Source]

And with the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies, that speculation is more relevant than ever.

Will tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot eventually become so sophisticated that they replace copywriters, designers, and illustrators as some have predicted? And even if they don’t, how will they change the skills required for those positions?

Outside of those specific roles what skills will be most useful in the future, particularly as digital and physical world advertising become increasingly integrated?

While it would be foolish to make hard and fast predictions, especially for an industry that moves as fast as advertising does, there are a few emergent trends that give us a good idea of where it’s going.

Those already working in the sector, or aiming to do so, would do well to look at these trends and understand how they might impact their career trajectories.

Even in an AI world, authenticity still matters

At the start of 2023, numerous headlines were describing how AI tools could easily replace creatives, especially as they become increasingly sophisticated.

As the year has progressed, it’s become clear that the picture’s nowhere near that simple.

A research paper released in July, for instance, showed that the quality of answers from ChatGPT was nowhere near perfect, and its creators explicitly highlighted the probability of “AI hallucinations” e.g the generation of incorrect or misleading results.It’s also notable that “authentic” was the US dictionary Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2023.

This not only suggests that AI tools may take more time to reach maturity than many thought but also that, even as the technology advances, people still crave authentic experiences. That includes the adverts they’re exposed to daily.

None of this, of course, is to say that AI tools can’t be helpful to creatives. They can be. But making full use of them requires people to build up new skills. You have to know what prompts will give you the output you want, for instance.

Creatives won’t be the only ones who need to develop AI-based skills either. With AI also playing an increasingly important role in things like audience segmentation, ad placement optimisation, and performance analytics, anyone working in those areas will also have to build up their AI skills.

The ongoing integration of physical and digital worlds

A true metaverse, whereby the virtual and physical worlds integrate seamlessly,  is still being worked on by tech giants, and the integration of AI will take a huge load off the shoulders of human developers.

There are few areas where that integration is more visible and more relevant than in advertising. Whether it’s a point-of-sale activation that requires people to scan a QR code for a discount or a full-blown augmented reality (AR) campaign, advertising is increasingly at the forefront of showing what’s possible when it comes to the unification of the physical and digital worlds.

That doesn’t only mean in-house marketing teams need to break down the silos between different specialties, it also means that even the out-of-home (OOH) agencies responsible for things like billboards will have to up their digital skills. Digital-first agencies, meanwhile, will have to look at how they can broaden their physical advertising capabilities.

In the face of this kind of unification, those with the skill sets needed to bring these two worlds together will be in high demand. With that in mind, advertising professionals on either side of the divide would do well to grow their physical or digital skills.

Adaptability is everything

What the above two trends show is how important adaptability is in advertising. It’s a fast-moving field where things change all the time.

The skills that you have in the industry might not be the ones that keep you growing within it. As such, workers don’t only need to be aware of industry trends but how they might affect them in the future.

Those workers also need to be able to access resources that can help them build up the skills necessary to ride those shifts. It’s something that we’re profoundly aware of at Aleph and is one of the reasons why we launched our Digital Ad Expert platform.

Make no mistake, these shifts won’t be any slower in African markets either. In fact, as the continent continues to experience rapid jumps in connectivity, the continent could leapfrog the rest of the world and set the tone for the future of advertising.

Anyone in the industry or looking to get it into it needs to be ready.

Business, healthcare, education, and entertainment are all being converted by these developments but everyone must be able to benefit from them, especially those in third-world nations.

Inclusive UX (user experience) is now a necessity rather than a luxury in order to close the digital gap and ensure that emerging technologies serve everyone worldwide.

In many underdeveloped countries, accessibility problems in digital experiences are often associated with budgetary constraints, infrastructure limitations, and technological literacy.

It is difficult for many individuals to participate in typical AR/VR interactions since high-speed internet, new technologies, and advanced computer power are not widely available. But these technologies have the potential of redefining access to healthcare, education, job training, and more if they are developed with inclusivity in mind.

One of the most important aspects for inclusive UX in emerging technologies is device adaptability. Customers with low-cost devices or limited processing power are unable to use AR/VR apps because many of them are made for high-end technology.

Developing WebAR-enabled AR applications that are portable and don’t require expensive headsets can improve accessibility.

Similarly, a wider audience can be reached by making VR content compatible with inexpensive mobile VR devices rather to expensive headsets like the Apple Vision Pro or Meta Quest.

The optimisation process of low bandwidth is another important aspect. Many third-world nations have slow, costly, or unreliable internet connectivity.

Experiences with spatial computing that primarily rely on cloud computing or real-time streaming could put off users in these regions.

By employing offline capabilities, compressed files, and progressive loading techniques, developers can counteract this and allow users to engage with immersive experiences without constantly requiring high-speed internet.

Both linguistic and cultural accessibility are crucial for developing inclusive AR and VR experiences. The fact that English is usually utilised as the default language when creating new technology products may turn off non-native speakers.

Voice-guided interactions in many local languages, AI-powered real-time translation, and culturally relevant user interface elements can all help boost user acceptance.

Additionally, to accommodate the unique learning requirements and circumstances of users in various locations, spatial computing applications intended for education and skill development should be localised.

Depending on how they are invented, AR, VR, and spatial computing can either empower or severely restrict individuals with disabilities.

People with mobility disabilities can connect in a number of ways as a result of adaptive input techniques like haptic feedback, gesture-based navigation, and voice instructions.

High contrast graphics, screen reader compatibility, and audio descriptions to help visually impaired persons navigate digital surroundings should all be features of augmented reality experiences.

In a similar vein, immersive settings ought to take into account spatial audio design that offers navigational signals.

In poor nations, cost is frequently the biggest obstacle to adoption. In order to ensure accessibility, collaborations between IT companies and educational institutions, NGOs, and local governments can be extremely important. Initiatives that supply open-source or inexpensive software, recycle or subsidise obsolete AR/VR equipment, and integrate immersive learning into public schools can make a big difference.

To create inclusive, my advise is that AR, VR, and spatial computing experiences, governments, tech companies, advocacy agencies, and educational institutions requires cooperation.

Leaders in the private sector must collaborate with legislators to support accessible innovation and advocate for more reasonably priced hardware options.

In modern technologies, inclusive user experience (UX) is about innovation, not just conformity. Developers and designers can open up completely new markets and empower millions of people who have historically been left behind in the digital revolution by creating AR, VR, and spatial computing experiences that put accessibility first.

Technology should be created for everyone, everywhere, and not just for a select few.

*Folashade Blessing Adegbite biography:

Folashade Adegbite is a seasoned product designer with years of experience across various technology sectors leading the charge in designs and user experience innovation. Her innovative spirit has made her create amazing product experiences for tech apps across Africa.

She continues to lend her voice to women empowerment conversations particularly around tech empowerment for women and how to bring the Africa of the future where technology is not alien to us but we are the ones building the tech needed for the new age.

Snapchat’s Lens Creator Rewards aims to reward Snap AR creators, developers, and teams for crafting top-performing Lenses on the platform. By providing incentives to innovative creators, Snapchat seeks to further enhance the user experience, enabling Snapchatters to express themselves creatively and have fun with their friends through imaginative augmented reality (AR) experiences.

Lens Creator Rewards: Celebrating Creativity and Fun

The program celebrates the most imaginative and engaging Lenses that captivate Snapchatters’ attention. From interactive AR scenes to fascinating new looks to experiment with, Snapchat is recognizing and supporting AR creators who bring joy and excitement to the app’s millions of users.

Monthly Earnings Potential: Up to $7,200 for Top-Performing Lenses

The program offers AR creators in the United States, India, and Mexico the chance to earn up to $7,200 every month for their top-performing Lenses. This financial incentive is Snapchat’s effort to fostering creativity within its community of Lens Studio members, comprising AR creators, developers, and teams.

Global Opportunity: Opening Doors for AR Creators Worldwide

In a move that extends opportunities globally, Lens Creator Rewards is open to AR creators from nearly 40 countries. This inclusive approach allows both new and current Lens Studio community members to participate, giving them the chance to explore their creativity and unlock the potential of AR experiences on Snapchat.

Participation Details

AR creators can participate in the Lens Creator Rewards program by building Lenses and checking their eligibility on Lens Studio. The program empowers creators to unleash their innovative ideas, experiment with AR, and contribute to Snapchat’s ever-evolving and dynamic AR landscape.

A Legacy of AR Innovation

Snapchat has been at the forefront of AR innovation for the past five years, allowing its AR community to create captivating Lenses for brands and partners. The platform has continuously pushed boundaries through initiatives like the GHOST Innovation Lab and the Spectacles creator program, which pave the way for the future of augmented reality today.

Welcome to the realm of augmented reality (AR) in mobile app development, where innovation knows no bounds. In this piece, we embark on a journey to explore the exhilarating importance of augmented reality in daily growth, unlocking a realm of endless possibilities and captivating experiences.

Enhancing User Experience:

One of the primary reasons why augmented reality is gaining popularity in mobile app development is its ability to enhance the user experience. AR technology allows users to interact with digital elements in real-time, blurring the line between the physical and virtual worlds. 

Whether it’s trying on virtual clothes, visualizing furniture in a room, or playing interactive games, AR creates an engaging and memorable experience for users. By integrating augmented reality into mobile apps, developers can provide a new level of interactivity, making the user experience more immersive and enjoyable.

Driving Business Growth:

Augmented reality has the potential to drive significant business growth. By leveraging AR technology, businesses can create unique and compelling experiences for their customers, leading to increased engagement and customer loyalty. 

For example, retail apps can use AR to allow customers to virtually try on products, eliminating the need to visit physical stores. This not only enhances the shopping experience but also reduces the return rate and increases customer satisfaction. 

Similarly, AR can be used in real estate apps to provide virtual property tours, enabling potential buyers to visualize spaces before making a purchase decision. Incorporating augmented reality into mobile apps will help businesses differentiate themselves in the market, attract more customers, and ultimately drive revenue growth.

Education and Training:

Another area where augmented reality is making a significant impact is education and training. Traditional learning methods can often be static and less engaging, making it difficult for students to grasp complex concepts. 

Augmented reality transforms the learning experience by bringing textbooks and educational materials to life. With AR-enabled mobile apps, students can explore three-dimensional models, conduct virtual experiments, and engage in interactive lessons. 

This immersive and hands-on approach to learning not only makes education more enjoyable but also enhances knowledge retention. Furthermore, AR can be utilized in corporate training programs, enabling employees to simulate real-life scenarios and acquire new skills in a safe and controlled environment.

Future Possibilities:

The potential applications of augmented reality in mobile app development are vast and continue to expand. As technology advances, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of AR in various industries. 

From healthcare and tourism to gaming and entertainment, augmented reality has the power to revolutionize how we interact with the world around us. Developers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, creating captivating experiences that were once considered science fiction.

So, it’s clear that augmented reality is no longer a futuristic concept; it has become a powerful tool in the realm of mobile app development. Its ability to enhance user experiences, drive business growth, and revolutionize education and training makes it an essential component for daily growth. 

As the technology continues to evolve, businesses and developers need to create a future where the digital and physical worlds seamlessly merge, providing endless possibilities for innovation and growth.