Dating apps are pivoting from swipes to real-world connection, and Bumble's latest move shows how far the industry is shifting. On its second-quarter earnings call, CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd highlighted the early promise of Plans, a new app designed for low-pressure group meetups. Main Developments Plans, which Bumble has been testing over the past few months, showed encouraging results, according to Herd. The company now plans to double down on real-life experiences, signaling a strategic shift away from the swipe-centric model that defined its flagship app. Read also: OpenAI drops text chat caps for all ChatGPT users Background Bumble isn't alone in this transition. Tinder, another major dating platform, has also been moving toward events and away from traditional swiping, aiming to attract Gen Z users who are fatigued by online dating's superficiality. This trend reflects broader dissatisfaction with digital-only romance. Why It Matters The pivot to IRL meetups could redefine how people form connections, potentially reducing the loneliness associated with app-based dating. For Bumble, success here would differentiate it in a crowded market and align with Gen Z's preference for authentic, low-pressure interactions. What's Next Bumble will continue to invest in Plans and other real-life features, though a full rollout timeline remains unclear. Investors and users alike will watch whether this bet pays off as the company balances innovation with its existing app's performance.