Airbnb Gets A Facelift, But Service Remains The Same

Airbnb is branding the service anew, but not changing. The rental app wanted to convey a new sense of "belonging", so they've created a new logo as well as a wholly new typeface. Though a refresh is here, the service itself will remain the same.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky tells Venture Beat "Airbnb isn't really understood ... Our core idea, what Airbnb is about at its core, is belonging. At Airbnb, we imagine a world where you can belong anywhere". The logo, which Airbnb calls Belo, is meant to convey that sense of belonging, but some pundits have quickly pointed out it's phallic appearance.

Airbnb may have refreshed their appearance, but they haven't changed the service — for better or worse. Having been hit with several oddball complaints and attention-grabbing headlines of late, Airbnb's refresh couldn't have come at a better time. The company has been met with consternation in some areas, and full-out lawsuits in others.

The site refresh coincides with an app update, so don't be surprised when Airbnb looks different everywhere you go. It's flashier, more appealing, and otherwise a better aesthetic, but if you've had issues with Airbnb in the past, this won't change anything.

Source: Airbnb