Can Bumble, Tinder make a comeback as users leave apps

The online dating industry is facing one of its biggest tests since the pandemic boom. After years of rapid expansion caused by swipe-based matchmaking, many of the industry's biggest players are grappling with slowing user growth, declining engagement and increasing skepticism from younger users.

Invezz • Aug 22, 2026

Bumble is tossing one of its key original features

Finding a connection on Bumble works differently now, with the dating app changing one of its flagship messaging rules.

Fast Company • Aug 12, 2026

Bumble eases women-first messaging rule as dating apps seek engagement boost

Bumble on Tuesday said it would now allow either person in a match to send ​the first message, dropping the women-first messaging ‌rule that has been a defining feature of the dating app since its launch in 2014.

Reuters • Aug 11, 2026

Bumble ditches its rule that kept men from making the first move

Bumble is officially giving up on the rule that made it, well, Bumble.

TechCrunch • Aug 11, 2026

Bumble stock rises after ending women-first texting rule: will the move boost growth?

Bumble is overhauling one of its most recognisable features by allowing either person in a match to send the first message, marking a major change to the dating app's women-first approach as it seeks to revive user engagement amid slowing growth. The company announced on Tuesday that it is removing the women-first messaging requirement that has defined the platform since its launch in 2014.

Invezz • Aug 11, 2026

Bumble is losing its Bumble-ness

Bumble fully removed its rule that women must message first and expanded how long they have to message. The changes make Bumble look quite similar to Tinder, its primary competitor.

Business Insider • Aug 11, 2026

Bumble teases a swipe-free future as it doubles down on IRL meetups

Tinder isn't the only major dating app turning away from the swipe and towards real-world events to attract Gen Z users who've grown tired of traditional online dating. On Wednesday, Bumble touted the early success of its newest app, Plans, designed to connect people “IRL” in low-pressure, group settings, and spoke of what comes next for Bumble's flagship app after the “swipe” is dead.

TechCrunch • Aug 6, 2026

Bumble forecasts downbeat quarterly revenue as paying users drop

Bumble on Wednesday forecast third-quarter revenue below Wall Street estimates, as paying users ​declined during an ongoing platform overhaul ‌to win back swipe-weary Gen Z users.

Reuters • Aug 5, 2026

Bumble Q2 Earnings Call Highlights

Bumble NASDAQ: BMBL reported second-quarter results that were in line with its expectations, with revenue landing in the upper half of its guidance range and adjusted EBITDA exceeding the high end, as the dating-app company continued a technology and product transformation.

MarketBeat • Aug 5, 2026

Bumble Inc. (BMBL) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Bumble Inc. (BMBL) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Seeking Alpha • Aug 5, 2026