Core Insights - Duolingo Inc. is set to unveil significant product updates at its annual Duocon conference on September 16, focusing on new video call features, an expanded Energy System, and non-language learning offerings to enhance user engagement amid slowing daily active user growth and increasing AI competition [1] User Engagement and Growth - The stock has experienced a 21% decline since the second-quarter earnings report, reflecting investor concerns regarding daily active user (DAU) growth, softer third-party data, and modest U.S. marketing expenditure in the latter half of the year [2] - Sensor Tower data indicates a 28% year-over-year growth in global DAUs for the third quarter to date, a decrease from 39% in the second quarter, with August growth at 25% compared to 31% in July [3] Competitive Landscape - Concerns have been raised about the company's ability to execute viral and edgy marketing strategies following the departure of Global Senior Social Media Manager Zaria Parvez, alongside intensified competition from AI-powered platforms like OpenAI GPT-5 and advancements in Google Translate [4] Product Enhancements - At Duocon 2025, Duolingo plans to showcase enhancements to its Video Call feature, including bilingual conversation tools, gamification elements, interactive backgrounds, and longer session formats [5] - The company will also highlight the broader rollout of its Energy System, which has already improved engagement, time spent, and conversion rates among iOS users, with plans for Android expansion [5] Content Expansion - Content expansion remains a priority, with over 148 new language course pairs, deeper CEFR-aligned English learning offerings, and the introduction of the Duolingo Score for proficiency benchmarking [6] - Duolingo will also present advancements in non-language verticals such as Chess, Math, and Music, which engage millions of DAUs and enhance platform stickiness, although they are not expected to significantly impact 2025 revenue [6] Marketing and AI Strategy - Analysts do not anticipate major updates to Duolingo's broader marketing strategy at Duocon, but AI applications will be a key focus, with the company leveraging generative AI and large language models to develop tutoring capabilities comparable to human instructors [7] Financial Projections - JPMorgan forecasts Duolingo's average growth for 2025-26 at +26% for FXN bookings, +44% for adjusted EBITDA, +50% for GAAP EPS, and +33% for free cash flow, expecting meaningful progress towards management's long-term EBITDA margin target of 30-35% [8]