Stripper index signals recession | Tea app hits 500K users | Sam Altman partners with Match Group
Apple’s App Store Revolution: Zero Commission Alternative Payments
In a landmark development for dating app providers, Apple has been forced to revamp its App Store policies following a US federal court ruling. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in contempt of court for its handling of the 2021 Epic Games ruling, determining that Apple’s implementation of a 27% commission on off-app purchases directly defied the court’s injunction.
The immediate impact for dating platforms? App developers can now offer alternative payment options with zero Apple commission, opening up significant revenue opportunities. Dating apps can now directly link users to external payment methods like Stripe or PayPal without being subject to Apple’s fees.
This ruling represents a major victory for dating app providers who have long struggled with Apple’s restrictive payment policies. While Apple has filed an appeal, the company must comply with the decision in the meantime, potentially saving dating platforms millions in commission fees and creating a more competitive marketplace.
Identity Verification Breakthrough: Sam Altman’s World Partners with Match Group
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s blockchain identity verification project “World” has announced a strategic partnership with dating giant Match Group. The collaboration will integrate World’s permissionless identity protocol (World ID) across Match’s portfolio of apps, including Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge.
This tokenized matchmaking innovation addresses one of online dating’s biggest challenges: verifying the authenticity of profiles. The pilot project launches first with Tinder users in Japan, providing a secure method to verify that profiles represent real humans without compromising privacy.
The timing is strategic, with Match Group actively expanding in East Asian markets where demographic challenges create unique dating app opportunities. This partnership signals a broader trend toward blockchain-based verification in dating platforms to combat fraud, enhance trust, and create safer online environments.
Japanese Dating App Uses Government Records to Verify Unmarried Status
In a groundbreaking move that could reshape verification practices globally, Tapple, a major Japanese dating app with over 20 million users, has implemented a feature that confirms users’ unmarried status through government records.
The system works by checking a user’s marital status through a government-run online portal with user consent. If the system shows a user is married, their profile is automatically suspended. This feature addresses a significant concern expressed by 69% of women and 54% of men who worry about potential matches misrepresenting their relationship status.
While currently limited to Japan, this verification approach shows how dating apps are increasingly integrating with government systems to enhance trust. The model could expand to other markets as dating platforms seek stronger verification tools, particularly in regions with demographic challenges like South Korea and other East Asian nations.
Grindr’s AI “Wingman” Feature Aims to Transform User Experience
Grindr is testing an advanced AI assistant designed to act as a digital “wingman” for users, according to CEO George Arison. The feature is currently in limited testing, with plans to expand to 1,000 users by end of 2024, 10,000 by end of 2025, and potentially reaching Grindr’s full user base of 14 million by 2027.
The AI wingman will track users’ matches, make tailored suggestions based on conversations, and potentially even communicate with other users’ AI assistants to identify compatibility and potential dealbreakers before human users meet in person.
Recently, Grindr announced it’s using AI tools from Amazon Web Services and Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet model to power this new feature, moving away from its original plan to use chatbots from Ex-human Inc. The company is also launching “A-List,” an automatically curated feature that surfaces meaningful past connections and high-potential matches.
Tea App Revolutionizes Dating Safety for Women
As online dating safety concerns persist, innovative solutions are emerging. Tea, a dedicated dating safety platform (not a dating app itself), is gaining significant traction for its focus on protecting women in online dating scenarios.
Founded by Sean Cook after his mother was scammed on dating apps, Tea provides tools for identity verification, background checks, and vetting potential matches before in-person meetings. The platform’s user base has grown to over 500,000 people who can perform quick background checks, verify identities, and access public records to assess potential dates.
Tea’s community aspect is particularly noteworthy, with its “Tea Party” group chat providing users a safe space to ask for advice and share experiences with complete anonymity. This focus on collective safety represents a growing trend of solutions addressing the darker side of online dating.
SlideIn: IRLY Co-Founder Connor Rose Launches New AI-Driven Dating App
Connor Rose, co-founder of video-based dating platform IRLY, has announced the launch of SlideIn, a new AI-driven dating app. Building on his experience with IRLY (launched in 2023), which featured video chat and gaming elements aimed at Gen Z users, SlideIn represents the next evolution in AI-enhanced dating experiences.
IRLY previously incorporated features like video calls, icebreaker games, and profile reactions to create more authentic connections. The new SlideIn app is expected to further leverage AI capabilities for better matchmaking and communication assistance, addressing growing user expectations for intelligent dating platforms.
Rose’s ventures exemplify the industry’s shift toward more interactive, video-first experiences enhanced by artificial intelligence. This trend accelerated during the pandemic and continues to reshape how younger generations approach online dating in 2025.
Market Signals & Economic Indicators
Economic Warning Signs: Dating Services, Brothels and Strip Clubs See Revenue Drops
In a concerning economic signal, the dating industry alongside other discretionary spending sectors is experiencing notable revenue declines. Financial experts and sex workers are pointing to these trends as potential early indicators of economic trouble ahead.
The “stripper index,” which tracks earnings in the sex industry, has historically been a reliable indicator of economic health, often signaling downturns before traditional metrics. Reports from legal brothels in Nevada indicate approximately 20% revenue decline since last quarter, while online dating platforms are also seeing user spending reductions.
These trends correlate with broader discretionary spending patterns, as dating services typically face early budget cuts when consumers feel economic pressure. Dating app providers should monitor these signals closely and potentially prepare for challenging economic conditions in the coming quarters.
Source: Yahoo News – Sex Workers Already Predicted There’s A Recession Coming — Here’s How They Know
South Korea’s Marriage Crisis: Match Group Sees Market Opportunity
South Korea’s dramatic 40% decline in marriages over a ten-year period presents both a demographic challenge and a business opportunity for dating platforms. Match Group’s Asia CEO Malgosia Green recently highlighted this “acute challenge” as a strategic market opportunity for serious relationship-focused apps.
The company has launched a South Korea-specific version of its Pairs app, which targets users seeking long-term relationships or marriage rather than casual connections. The app features tailored questions relevant to East Asian relationship values and priorities, such as family relationship preferences and views on children.
Despite South Korea reporting a 14.8% jump in marriages in 2024 (the largest increase since records began in 1990), the country’s fertility rate remains critically low at 0.75 children per woman. This demographic reality is creating space for dating platforms that can effectively address cultural sensitivities while facilitating meaningful relationships.
Looking Ahead: Industry Projections
The global online dating market is projected to reach $3.17 billion in 2025, with expected annual growth of 2.14% through 2029, according to Statista. User penetration is forecast to reach 5.2% globally in 2025, with the United States generating the largest revenue share at approximately $1.43 billion.
Video dating continues its strong growth trajectory, with 70% of singles now embracing video dates, according to recent Bumble research. AI integration in dating platforms is accelerating, with features ranging from profile enhancement and match suggestions to sophisticated conversational assistants.
For dating platform operators, the focus is shifting from pure user acquisition to improved monetization and retention strategies. The coming year will likely see further innovation in verification technologies, AI-powered features, and safety tools as platforms compete for user trust in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
As we move through 2025, dating platforms that can effectively combine technological innovation with genuine human connection will be best positioned to capture market share in this dynamic industry.
Additional Resources for Dating Platform Operators
- Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report 2025: Dating Safety – Essential data on dating scams and AI’s role in online dating safety.
- The Ugly Truth About Dating in 2025 – Comprehensive analysis of technological and social challenges in modern dating.
- Morgan Stanley: Online Dating Industry’s Next Growth Phase – Strategic insights on monetization and premium features.
- Business of Apps: Dating App Revenue and Usage Statistics 2025 – Detailed market data for strategic planning.
Image: Pinterest
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...