More than just BNB : Airbnb 2025 Summer Release Introducing Services, Experiences, and a Supercharged App

Airbnb has just rolled out one of its most significant updates to date, fundamentally transforming its platform and expanding far beyond traditional home rentals. Here are the key highlights from the latest Airbnb update as of May 2025:

• Airbnb Services – Incredible services to make your stay more special.
• Airbnb Experiences – Explore a city with the locals who know it best.
• All-new Airbnb app – A redesigned app that makes it easy to book homes, services, and experiences—all in one place.

Expansion Beyond Home Rentals: Airbnb Services

• Airbnb has launched a new category called Airbnb Services, allowing users to book a curated selection of local professional services, even if they are not staying in an Airbnb property1234.
• The initial rollout includes ten categories, such as:
  • Chefs – Fully customizable in-home meals from professional chefs.
  • Photography – Personalized photo sessions from experienced photographers.
  • Massage – Restorative massages including Swedish, deep tissue, and reflexology from certified therapists.
  • Spa treatments – Facials, microdermabrasion, body scrubs, and other treatments provided by licensed estheticians².
  • Personal training – Yoga, strength training, HIIT, and more, with personal trainers, including renowned fitness professionals and world champion athletes.
  • Hair – Professional haircuts, blowouts, and more from experienced stylists.
  • Makeup – Makeup for every day or special occasions from professional makeup artists. 
  • Nails – Manicures and pedicures from experienced nail specialists.
  • Prepared meals – Ready-to-eat meals prepared by professional chefs.
  • Catering – Full-service catering with custom menus, decor, and equipment, plus setup and cleanup.
• All service providers are vetted for expertise and reputation, with an average of 10 years’ experience, identity verification, and relevant licenses/certifications
• Prices for services start below $50, making them accessible to a wide audience
• This move positions Airbnb in direct competition with local service marketplaces, offering amenities typically found in hotels and resorts

Reimagined Airbnb Experiences

• Airbnb Experiences have been relaunched and are now more deeply integrated into the platform, offering a broader range of activities in over 650 cities
• Experiences are now categorized into 19 types, including live performances, landmark tours, architectural explorations, and fitness classes
• Airbnb Originals: Exclusive, celebrity-hosted experiences (e.g., with Megan Thee Stallion, Patrick Mahomes, Sabrina Carpenter) are now available
• Enhanced social features allow users to see who else is joining an experience, chat with fellow guests, and stay in touch afterward
• Experiences are rigorously vetted for quality, authenticity, and guest feedback

A Smarter App: Homes, Services, and Experiences—All in One Flow

To support this expanded ecosystem, Airbnb has rolled out a top-to-bottom redesign of its app:

• Explore Tab: Curates homes, experiences, and now services tailored to each destination
• Trips Tab: A central itinerary hub for managing bookings and daily plans
• Today Tab (for Hosts): Enhances communication, task planning, and guest coordination
• Google Calendar Integration: Lets hosts see bookings and service schedules in an hour-by-hour breakdown

Source: https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-2025-summer-release/