Snapchat lands on Apple Watch, expands Lens Studio to iOS and Web

Snapchat has unveiled two significant enhancements: a dedicated app for the Apple Watch and an expansion of its Lens Studio platform to iOS and the web. These updates mark Snap Inc.’s efforts to diversify its device ecosystem and empower users to engage with augmented reality (AR) more easily. In a recent post, Snapchat noted its impressive user base of over 900 million worldwide, emphasizing the growing importance of connectivity across multiple devices. The company stated, "The number of devices we use in our daily lives has grown," highlighting its ambition to extend the Snapchat experience beyond just smartphones. The newly launched Apple Watch app, designed for watchOS 9.0 and later, does not permit users to send Snaps or start new conversations. Instead, it focuses on allowing quick responses to incoming messages through Scribble, Dictation, or emojis. While users could already receive mirrored notifications from their iPhones, this dedicated app aims to provide a more streamlined and native experience for smartwatch users. In conjunction with the wearable update, Snapchat has made its widely-used AR development tool, Lens Studio, accessible on iPhones and the web. Previously available only on desktop, Lens Studio now features AI-driven capabilities, enabling iOS users to create and publish AR Lenses directly from their devices. These new tools include creative enhancements such as adding Bitmojis, applying generative effects, and experimenting with various visual styles. Although the desktop version remains the preferred choice for seasoned developers, Snap emphasizes that the new iOS app and web version aim to simplify the process for creators and hobbyists eager to dive into AR. Lens Studio can now be accessed for free on the App Store for iPhone users and online at lensstudio.snapchat.com, paving the way for innovative mobile-first AR content.