• Qualcomm's Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1 chip powers AI-driven smart glasses with on-device processing.
• It is 26% smaller than its predecessor, and offers better power efficiency and enhanced image quality.
• Supports real-time translations, personalized recommendations, and hands-free interactions, reducing reliance on external devices.

Qualcomm has introduced its latest innovation in AR technology, the Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1 chip, designed specifically for AI-powered smart glasses. Announced at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2025, this chip marks a significant advancement in on-device artificial intelligence, enabling smart glasses to process complex AI tasks without relying on a connected smartphone or cloud services.

The Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1 is a significant improvement upon its predecessor, the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1, which is used in devices such as the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Qualcomm said the new chip is 26 percent smaller, and will have better power efficiency and offer better image quality. Such a small form factor enables more comfortable smart glasses that are less obtrusive, which is one of the main issues with wearable tech.

“The Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1 platform delivers significant advancements in power management and image quality, enabling our smallest AR platform to date,” said a Qualcomm spokesperson. “This chip can run a one-billion-parameter model directly on the device, which is a game-changer for on-glass generative AI.”

With this feature, smart glasses will be capable of running advanced AI tasks, including real-time translations, personal recommendations, and hands-free control, right in the device. The AR1+ Gen 1 improves on the user experience over its predecessors by making response times faster and more private as it decreases reliance on exterior devices.

Qualcomm is moving to AI-enhanced smart glasses as the AR market is rising. According to industry estimates, the shipment of smart glasses is expected to increase by 73.1 percent in 2024 due to the improvement of chip technology and the rising attention of consumers.

Also Read: Ericsson, Supermicro Partner for 5G-Enhanced Edge AI Innovation

The Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1 chip supports features like improved eye tracking and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, building on Qualcomm’s earlier AR platforms. These enhancements enable more immersive and responsive experiences, making smart glasses a viable tool for both consumer and enterprise applications.

Qualcomm’s announcement has generated significant buzz, with industry experts noting its potential to redefine the smart glasses market. “Qualcomm’s new on-device AI chip could change smart glasses forever,” one analyst remarked, emphasizing the shift toward standalone AI processing.

As Qualcomm continues to innovate, the Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1 positions the company as a leader in the evolving AR landscape, promising a future where smart glasses are smarter, smaller, and more powerful than ever before. The company is also collaborating with industry giants like Samsung and Google to develop a new mixed-reality platform called Android XR, which aims to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro.