Bumble borrows a major feature from social media to shake up the dating landscape. The app wants users to take meet-cutes into their own hands with searchable usernames called 'Handles.' October 14, 2026 Forget stumbling across your perfect match on a dating app by chance. Thanks to a new Bumble feature, you can look them up directly - as long as you know their username. With Bumble's new "Handles" feature, the app is taking a page from the social media playbook. For the first time, prospective matches can opt in to set up unique user IDs (similar to usernames on apps like Instagram or X) that can be found via search, giving users added control over a dating landscape dominated by algorithms. How "handles" work. Bumble users on iOS in the United States can now create their own handles in the app. But what benefit is there to making your dating profile shareable? The dating platform imagines a few scenarios in which handles might come in handy. If you meet someone in public, you could give them your handle instead of your phone number. If you want to set up two friends, you could let them check out each other's Bumble profiles instead of having them stalk each other's socials. Or if you want to advertise your Bumble profile more broadly, you could post your handle to another social account and let your followers find you. The feature relies on users agreeing with Bumble's leadership that sharing a dating profile directly can be preferable to exchanging phone numbers or Instagrams. As Bumble CEO and founder Whitney Wolfe Herd put it in a press release: "Your private and professional networks aren't necessarily where you want your dating life to begin." But the addition of handles won't turn the app into a free-for-all. Mutual interest is still required before any messages are sent, with handles simply adding a new way to send a like. Users can also turn off their handles at any time, making them undiscoverable by search. Dating apps going social. By introducing handles, Bumble joins a wave of dating apps broadening their horizons and expanding social features.

Bumble taken over for £980m in 'bet on future of humanity' Shares in the group jumped 57% overnight after the deal was announced. The owner of dating app Bumble has agreed to a 1.3 billion US dollar (£980 million) takeover in what the firm's buyers said marks a "bet on the future of humanity". (Alamy/PA) 2 hours ago City Edition News from the City, market updates plus comment and analysis from our business desk I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice. The owner of dating app Bumble has agreed to a 1.3 billion US dollar (£980 million) takeover in what the firm's buyers said marks a "bet on the future of humanity". New York-listed Bumble, which also owns dating app and website Badoo and friendship app BFF, has agreed to be taken private by US investment firm Ithaca Holdings. The deal was agreed after a vote by major shareholders, which include private equity giant Blackstone and asset manager BlackRock. Ithaca Holdings co-founders and co-chief executives Ravi Gupta and John Hegeman said: "Technology should work in service of our deepest source of fulfilment, human connection, and this investment is a bet on the future of humanity. "People and societies will always need connection, relationships, love, and family, and we are excited to build on Bumble's legacy and share its mission with the next generation of members." While Bumble founder and shareholder Whitney Wolfe Herd did not take part in the vote, she approved the transaction by written consent and said she would remain "actively involved" with the business. Although her future role at the dating app remains unclear, she has stated that she will work closely with its new owners. Shares in the group jumped 57% overnight after the deal was announced. Bumble, which was publicly listed on Nasdaq in 2021, is set to become a privately held company following the deal. The group is expected to remain based in Austin, Texas, and keep its offices in New York City and London. Launched in 2014, the Bumble app differentiated itself from competitors by having women send the first message in heterosexual matches. The app, whose main competitors include Tinder and Hinge, both owned by US company Match Group, later changed its approach to allow everyone to initiate conversations. Bumble, along with Tinder and Hinge, have faced declining user engagement and pressure to refresh their app experiences, including using AI. Bumble group's total revenue dropped 15% to 211 million US dollars (£159 million) in the quarter to June 30. Earlier this year, Bumble announced several new AI features, including profile guidance to help people create and enhance their dating profile. Ithaca's co-founders said: "Bumble has a unique combination of essential attributes, including its trusted brand and loyal community. "As technology and dating habits evolve, we see huge potential to take it into the next era together, building on the foundation Whitney and the talented Bumble team have built." Ms Wolfe Herd said: "Bumble was founded on a simple belief: meaningful relationships are essential to a healthy, happy life. "Today, that belief feels more important than ever." She added: "As Bumble's founder, my belief in this company and its potential to positively impact people around the world has never been stronger. "That is why I will remain actively involved with Bumble. "I believe deeply in Bumble's future, and I look forward to working alongside Ravi, John, and the Bumble team as we continue to innovate, create meaningful connections, and write the next chapter of Bumble's story." MORE ABOUT

AAPL, BMBL, BP stocks hit 52-week highs on announcements and oil rally. 2026-10-13 20:03:15 Key takeaways. * Apple Inc. announced new smart home accessories lineup, reaching $348.15 stock price on Tuesday. * Bumble Inc. agreed to $1.3 billion all-cash acquisition by Ithaca Holdings at $6.05 per share. * BP PLC gained nearly 4% amid rising oil prices and heightened Middle East tensions on Tuesday. Apple Inc. (AAPL), Bumble Inc. (BMBL), and BP PLC (BP) stocks reached 52-week highs on Tuesday following company-specific announcements and macroeconomic developments. AAPL stock closed 0.09% higher after announcing a new smart home accessories lineup, BMBL stock surged more than 56% on news of a $1.3 billion acquisition by Ithaca Holdings, and BP stock gained nearly 4% amid rising oil prices and heightened Middle East tensions. The three stocks' advances reflect a mix of product innovation, corporate transactions, and energy market volatility driving investor interest in US stocks and global equities. Apple announces Home Collection smart accessories lineup. AAPL stock surged to a new annual high of $348.15 on Tuesday, putting it on track for a second week of gains. Apple unveiled the Home Collection, a lineup of smart home accessories including indoor and outdoor cameras, thermostats, temperature sensors, a video doorbell, and a door lock. The products were designed in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric (SBGSY). The company said the new accessories are simple to set up with one tap on an iPhone, and everything is managed through the Apple Home app with no separate app or account required. All products will become available from December, with some accessories available starting in early 2027. Retail sentiment around AAPL stock was bearish at the time of writing. AAPL stock has surged nearly 26% in 2026. Bumble agrees to $1.3 billion Ithaca Holdings acquisition. BMBL stock rocketed to a 52-week high of $5.98 on Tuesday, marking its steepest single-day climb on record. Bumble agreed to be acquired by Ithaca Holdings in an all-cash transaction valuing the dating-app company at $1.3 billion. Under the agreement, shareholders will receive $6.05 per Class A share, a premium of about 138% over its Oct. 9 closing share price. Following the deal's closure, Ithaca co-CEOs Ravi Gupta and John Hegeman will lead Bumble, while founder Whitney Wolfe Herd is expected to remain involved. Bumble will retain its Austin headquarters and skip its Q3 earnings release and conference call, though it plans to file its Form 10-Q by Nov. 9. Retail sentiment around BMBL stock was bullish at the time of writing. The stock has surged more than 64% in 2026. BP stocks climb on oil price surge and Middle East tensions. BP stock notched a fresh 52-week high of $48.74 on Tuesday, marking two consecutive days of gains amid rising oil prices. Tensions in the Middle East rose after Yemen's Iran-allied Houthis attacked Saudi Arabia, even as the market weighed the prospect of increased diesel from Russia. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump said Putin agreed to supply 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, another 500,000 tons in November, followed by 1 million tons and a further 3 million tons in subsequent deliveries. Oil prices climbed at the time of writing amid the growing uncertainties. Brent crude futures expiring in December were trading at $106.95 a barrel, up more than 1%, while WTI crude futures expiring in November traded at $95.21 per barrel. Additionally, BP will reportedly update its strategy in December, allowing new CEO Meg O'Neill to outline her vision for the company, according to The Wall Street Journal. Retail sentiment around BP stock was neutral at the time of writing. The stock has climbed more than 35% year-to-date. Faq. What caused AAPL, BMBL, and BP stocks to reach 52-week highs on Tuesday? AAPL stock closed 0.09% higher after Apple announced a new smart home accessories lineup including cameras, thermostats, and doorbells developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. BMBL stock surged more than 56% following the announcement of a $1.3 billion all-cash acquisition by Ithaca Holdings at $6.05 per share. BP stock gained nearly 4% amid rising oil prices driven by Middle East tensions after Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and expectations of Russian diesel supplies. What are the terms of the Bumble acquisition by Ithaca Holdings? Ithaca Holdings agreed to acquire Bumble in an all-cash transaction valued at $1.3 billion. Shareholders will receive $6.05 per Class A share, representing a premium of about 138% over the Oct. 9 closing share price. Following the deal's closure, Ithaca co-CEOs Ravi Gupta and John Hegeman will lead Bumble, while founder Whitney Wolfe Herd is expected to remain involved. Bumble will retain its Austin headquarters and plans to file its Form 10-Q by Nov. 9. Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third-party sources and is for reference only. It does not represent the views or opinions of Gate and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Virtual asset trading involves high risk. Please do not rely solely on the information on this page when making decisions. For details, see the Disclaimer.