Airbnb uses AI to write 60% of its code. Features increased by 80%.

In Airbnb’s Q2 2026 earnings report, we learned about their usage of AI during software development: “AI models are generating up to 60% of our new code.” From January–June 2026, they deployed 80% more product features than the corresponding period in 2025. “We’ve been able to cut down the time from ideation to deployment by up to 60%.”

They rolled out an AI-powered chatbot in North America in 2025 (supporting over 50 languages) which automates responses to 45% of queries without needing any human involvement. Cost per support request decreased by 16% YoY. For the quarter, revenue was $3.6B (+17% YoY), and adjusted EBITDA was $1.3B (+21% YoY).

Additionally, they’re exploring the possibility of leveraging AI to enable a natural language search interface where users can describe their preferences, and get back a set of matching results alongside tailored property descriptions. The user can continue to perform traditional searches via a button, but they won’t be removing the existing flow; rather, they’ll provide users with an option.

Airbnb isn’t a tech company — they’re a housing marketplace started as a startup in 2008. It’s significant because if they can accelerate their feature development by x times in one year via AI, then there will be an exponential gap between those who start early and those who come later.