Airbnb is advancing on two fronts: increasing on-the-ground services to better compete with hotels, and using artificial intelligence plus its user network to improve travel discovery online.
As part of its fall product update, the company is expanding services available in the app that it introduced last year. New or extended offerings include meal delivery, laundry, baby gear rental, and limited ski and boat rentals. The company is also expanding grocery delivery.
How the AI search works
A second major change is AI-powered search. Airbnb has taken a cautious approach to AI features; CEO Brian Chesky has steered clear of a chatbot-style interface. Earlier this year he previewed a new search function for property discovery, which is now rolling out: users can flip a toggle to search using text or voice prompts.
Once a search begins, the interface provides dynamic filters based on the user’s preferences. For example, typing “baby” into the AI search will automatically surface additional filters such as cribs, playgrounds, or children’s books and toys.
The platform also leverages AI to surface relevant property features and allows users to compare listings in their wishlist with AI-generated summaries and review highlights.
On the topic of AI search, Brian Chesky told TechCrunch: “We are finally making our first foray into AI search. And what you see is just the very beginning of something. And over the coming months, we’re going to really be iterating this very quickly. It’s not hard to create AI search; it’s hard to create AI search in e-commerce when you have $100 billion going through your platform.” He added: “Anyone can vibe-code a search function, but to do something that doesn’t kill conversion rate, that’s the hard part.”
Enhanced social discovery and neighborhood content
Airbnb is also emphasizing social features designed to encourage more trips and bookings of extra experiences like food tastings and craft workshops. Last year the app added the ability for users to connect with fellow travelers and friends on the platform.
Now travelers can view a map showing their connections’ past or upcoming trips. Tapping a trip lets users see where a connection stayed and which experiences they booked. For users concerned about privacy, there is an option not to share trips with others.
Airbnb is also building neighborhood pages that pull from guest reviews and other sources to help travelers discover places to eat and things to do.
Why it matters
These updates aim to speed discovery and broaden the range of services available through the Airbnb app. AI-driven filters and comparison tools should make finding suitable properties easier, while the expanded on-site services—such as food and grocery delivery and equipment rentals—seek to meet more guest needs within the platform. Airbnb says the AI features are only the beginning and plans rapid iteration over the coming months.
