Duolingo, a $20 billion edtech company, is facing growing challenges amid its recent pivot towards AI-driven language learning products. The company has removed its mascot, deleted its TikTok and Instagram content, and introduced a controversial marketing tagline, "Introduce a little anarchy," while mocking teachers as "glorified babysitters." Users have expressed dissatisfaction with stripped-down lessons, a robotic user experience, and lost features, leading to a movement to uninstall the app. Meanwhile, competitors such as Google have advanced the language learning market with real-time translation video introduced at Google I/O 2025, which can replicate users' sound tone and voice expression. Apple is also expected to launch real-time translation via AirPods at its upcoming WWDC event. Other major tech firms including Meta, Amazon, and TikTok are developing or already have second language solutions. Critics highlight that Duolingo’s product is now easily replicated, squeezed by open-source tools and Google’s AI dominance, challenging its growth prospects despite trading at 171 times forward earnings. Additionally, Duolingo’s Max tier has been described as a "glorified ChatGPT plug-in," underscoring concerns about the company’s innovation and market position.