Airbnb has shipped several platform updates that change how guests book and how hosts operate. Here’s the quick tour; details follow with links to official sources.
What changed at a glance
- Reserve Now, Pay Later (US): Eligible domestic stays can be booked with $0 due at checkout; payment is collected before free-cancellation ends. Applies to listings with flexible or moderate cancellation policies. (Airbnb Newsroom)
- Total price display, worldwide: Search results now show the full stay price including all fees (before taxes) by default, globally. (Airbnb Newsroom)
- All-new Airbnb app: Homes, Airbnb Services (chefs, massages, photographers, more) and revamped Experiences are bookable in one place; host tools gained features like Google Calendar integration. (Airbnb Newsroom)
- Payments Terms update: New Payments Terms took effect June 26, 2025 for new users and apply to existing users September 8, 2025. (Airbnb)
- Safety & privacy: Indoor cameras are banned in listings worldwide (clarified rules remain for outdoor devices and noise monitors). (Airbnb)
- Strategy signal: CEO Brian Chesky says Airbnb is becoming an AI-first app, with agents to help plan and book travel. (Business Insider)
Reserve Now, Pay Later (US)
Airbnb’s Reserve Now, Pay Later lets U.S. guests book eligible U.S. stays with no upfront payment. The balance is due shortly before the free-cancellation window ends, giving hosts time to rebook if a guest cancels. It complements Pay Part Now, Part Later and Klarna. Availability currently requires a flexible or moderate cancellation policy set by the host. (Airbnb Newsroom)
Why it matters: Expect better conversion for group trips and longer stays that need cost-splitting. Listings with stricter cancellation policies won’t surface this option.
Total price display is now standard worldwide
Airbnb made all-in pricing (before taxes) the default in search results around the world. Guests see the total cost with all fees up front, making comparisons easier and improving transparency. (Airbnb Newsroom)
Host takeaway: With fees visible earlier, optimize the full-stay price—not just the nightly rate—and keep cleaning fees reasonable.
The all-new Airbnb app: Homes + Services + Experiences
Airbnb’s 2025 Summer Release rebuilt the app so travelers can book homes, Services, and Experiences together:
- Airbnb Services (new): 10 categories (e.g., chefs, massages, spa treatments, personal training, photography, hair, makeup, nails, prepared meals, catering) available across 260 cities, with many entry-level options under ~$50 and hosts vetted for identity, credentials and reputation. You don’t even need to be staying at an Airbnb to book some of them. (Airbnb Newsroom)
- Airbnb Experiences (revamped): Curated activities in 650+ cities plus celebrity-led Airbnb Originals. Social features and quality vetting aim to keep groups small and authentic. (Airbnb Newsroom)
- Host tools: A new Today tab, redesigned Calendar with Google Calendar integration, enhanced Listings management, and simplified Setup for services/experiences. (Airbnb Newsroom)
Payments Terms: dates you need to know
Airbnb’s Payments Terms were updated June 26, 2025. They already apply to new users and will apply to existing users on September 8, 2025. If you disagree, Airbnb says you can delete your account before that date. (The Help Center article also notes Canada-specific updates to the contracting entity and safeguarding of host funds.) (Airbnb)
Privacy & safety: indoor camera ban (reminder)
As of April 30, 2024, Airbnb does not allow indoor cameras or recording devices in any listing. Outdoor cameras, doorbells, and noise decibel monitors are allowed with clear disclosure and placement rules. Review your listing’s disclosures to stay compliant. (Airbnb)
Host checklist (do these next)
- Pricing: Recheck nightly rate and fees so your total price looks competitive in search. (Total-price display is now default.) (Airbnb Newsroom)
- Cancellation policy: If appropriate for your market, consider flexible/moderate to gain Reserve Now, Pay Later exposure. (Airbnb Newsroom)
- Upsell & ops: Explore Services/Experiences to diversify revenue; turn on Google Calendar sync and tidy templates in the new Today tab. (Airbnb Newsroom)
- Compliance: Double-check device disclosures and remove any indoor cameras. (Airbnb)
- Terms: Share the Sept 8, 2025 changeover with owners/stakeholders and update internal SOPs. (Airbnb)
Final take
Airbnb is moving toward a full-stack travel marketplace (place to stay plus what to do and who can help), while tightening pricing transparency and privacy rules. For hosts, the opportunity is to differentiate on value—not just space—by adding Services/Experiences and smoothing ops with the new app features. For guests, booking gets clearer and more flexible, especially with Pay Later.
