Bumble

Bumble has dropped its women-must-message-first policy and is preparing to remove the swipe feature as it responds to changing user behaviour and declining revenue. The company has developed AI tools such as the Bee matchmaking assistant while the wider dating industry experiments with AI-first features to combat 'swipe fatigue' and falling paying users. Analysts warn that AI alone may not fix underlying product and moderation issues that have driven user dissatisfaction. » More on theguardian.com

Bumble is removing its heterosexual restriction that only women can initiate conversations and now allows anyone to send the first message, while extending the response deadline from 24 to 72 hours. The change follows user surveys and tests showing many women prefer men to start chats and that opening messages became more evenly distributed and more frequent. The app will prompt users to improve low-effort openers and frames the move as increasing flexibility and connection quality; the announcement came amid declining revenue and paying users. Bumble says the update aligns with its women-first intent by reducing pressure and expanding options. » More on theverge.com

Bumble is working with Morgan Stanley to explore a potential sale as the online dating company faces slowing growth, declining paying users and rising competition. Shares have fallen about 48% over the past year, leaving a market value near $388 million, and full-year 2025 revenue dropped nearly 10% to about $966 million. Total paying users fell more than 11% in 2025 and fell about 20% year-on-year in Q1 2026 after the company trimmed lower-engagement accounts. Blackstone owns roughly 22% of Bumble, but sources caution no deal is certain and the company could remain independent. » More on finance.yahoo.com