Q&A with Brian Chesky on Airbnb's plans for agent-to-agent interactions, why chatbots fail at travel e-commerce, the need for an AI-native OS, and more

Airbnb's AI search and planning tools gain new collaborative features, allowing group trip planning with AI.

Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, expressed skepticism about chatbots being suitable for e-commerce and travel discovery, citing their limitations in presenting multiple options and facilitating browsing. He unveiled Airbnb's new AI-powered search, acknowledging it as an evolving interface rather than the final form. Chesky highlighted the need for "multiplayer" AI that supports collaborative planning, a focus for Airbnb in the next three to six months. He also discussed the development of AI agents, emphasizing Airbnb's efforts to become more "agent-friendly" and prepare for agent-to-agent interactions. Chesky believes the industry lacks a proper AI operating system, comparing current app stores to primitive versions of Apple's App Store. He suggested that true AI interoperability will require a foundational shift at the operating system level, potentially driven by companies like Apple or Google, to move beyond apps with embedded agents towards robust, interoperable AI agents.

Chesky believes the current state of consumer AI, including its implementation in platforms like Airbnb, is not yet "cracked." He argues that for AI agents to function effectively and interoperate seamlessly, a fundamental shift is needed at the operating system level, moving beyond current app-centric models. He envisions a future where all apps become agents, interoperable with others, and supported by a richer user interface, a stark contrast to the limited functionality seen in early AI app stores.

This perspective suggests a potential bottleneck in the widespread adoption and efficacy of consumer AI, particularly in complex e-commerce scenarios like travel. The development of a true "AI operating system" could be the next frontier for tech giants like Apple and Google. Chesky's emphasis on "multiplayer" AI and agent-to-agent communication points towards a future where AI tools facilitate group decision-making and complex interactions, potentially redefining how users plan and book experiences online.