Grab rolls out 13 AI-powered features at GrabX 2026, enhancing superapp experience

Grab has officially unveiled a suite of 13 new AI-powered features at its annual GrabX 2026 product showcase in Jakarta, positioning its superapp as a more intelligent “everyday guide” for users across Southeast Asia.

Philipp Kandal, Chief Product Officer at Grab, says that the new updates aim to simplify daily tasks and commute for consumers, while also helping merchants and drivers improve efficiency and earnings.

“We want the Grab app to be the Everyday Guide that handles manual tasks, so you can focus on your day,” said Kandal.

Anthony Tan, the Group CEO and co-founder of Grab, also took stage highlighting the significance of artificial intelligence in people’s lives today.

“We’re in the ‘AI Revolution’ now, and the ending hasn’t been written yet,” said Tan.

“Instead of allowing the gap to widen between the tech-savvy and the underserved, we are choosing to use our intelligence layer to bridge it.”

New major features, AI-powered tools

Group Ride

Among the highlights is Group Ride that allows up to four users to share a single vehicle with coordinated pickups and split fares.

This is similar to the existing “Group Order” on GrabFood where users would split the payment or pay for everyone. Group Ride fare is split depending on each route.

Grab says the Group Ride feature can help users save up to 40% compared to riding solo.

Grab More

Another addition is Grab More, enabling users to order from multiple merchants in one delivery without extra fees. Its AI ensures orders arrive at the same time, addressing a common issue in group or household orders.

Grab AI Assistant

The new Grab AI Assistant, a.k.a. “Coach”, acts as a built-in concierge in-app, helping users plan meals, book restaurants, or even generate shopping carts using photos, voice notes, or lists.

GrabMaps for Consumers

Meanwhile, GrabMaps gets a major upgrade with features like indoor navigation, EV charger locations, parking availability, and a journey planner that integrates with users’ schedules.

Cash Loan

Grab is also expanding into fintech with Cash Loan, offering eligible users quick access to credit or micro-loans using AI-powered underwriting and in-app processing.

This means a streamlined application process in which users won’t need to submit extensive documentation to apply for a cash loan.

Interestingly, Grab will roll out this feature first in the Philippines followed by Thailand and Malaysia in mid-2026.

New features for a more effortless travel

Grab is also strengthening its travel-related services with several new tools designed to reduce ‘friction’ across each user’s entire journey.

Personalized Travel Experience

The Personalized Travel Experience feature consolidates flight updates, airport navigation, and travel reminders into one interface, from departure to arrival.

GrabStays

GrabStays, developed with hotel partner Nuitee, introduces a hotel booking service within the app, offering same-day rates and GrabRewards integration.

While it sounds promising, Grab won’t be releasing this feature yet for the Philippines.

Discover by Grab

For an easier way of finding food, there’s Discover by Grab. It surfaces personalized restaurant recommendations based on user preferences and community-generated reviews.

GrabPay for Travel

Finally, GrabPay for Travel enables seamless QR payments across Southeast Asia using saved debit or credit cards, eliminating the need for separate e-wallets. This means that GrabPay will soon be able available as a payment method for QRPh transactions.

New AI tools for Business

Grab is also rolling out AI-powered tools aimed at improving operations for its partners.

Virtual Store Manager

The Virtual Store Manager uses computer vision and existing CCTV systems to monitor store activity, hygiene, and staffing levels in real time. It’s being piloted in Malaysia and Thailand as of now.

Cloud Printer

Cloud Printer automates order handling between front counter and back kitchen, reducing missed or delayed orders.

Tap to Pay

For more convenient payments, Tap to Pay allows merchants to accept contactless payments directly through their smartphones, with no additional hardware required.

Driver AI Assistant

Driver-partners, on the other hand, can benefit from the Driver AI Assistant, a chatbot that provides real-time guidance on routes, policies, and tasks to help improve efficiency and earnings.

Early Access Program

Grab also shared that its Early Access Program has grown to 200,000 users since its launch last year. The initiative allows users to test new features and provide feedback, contributing over 4,000 improvements to date.

A new “shake and share” feature was also introduced, enabling users to quickly submit feedback by simply shaking their device.

Southeast Asia rollout timelines

Grab says the new features will be rolled out gradually across markets, depending on regulatory approvals and partner readiness. Availability, pricing, and functionality may vary by country.

1. Group Ride – Available in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Launching in Vietnam in the third quarter of the year.
2. Grab More – Available in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
3. Grab AI Assistant – Available in Singapore. To be rolled out in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam by the end of the year.
4. Grab Shopping Agent – Available in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
5. GrabMaps for Consumers – Available in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Specific functions will be rolled out progressively.
6. Cash Loan – Available in the Philippines. Coming to Thailand and Malaysia by mid-2026.
7. Personalized Travel Experience – Arriving in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam by the third quarter of the year.
8. GrabStays – Launching first in Singapore by May 2026, followed by Malaysia in the third quarter of the year.
9. Discover by Grab – Available in Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Coming to Vietnam by mid-2026 and Malaysia by the end of the year.
10. GrabPay for Travel – Q3 2026. To be rolled out in the Philippines and Malaysia by the third quarter of the year, and Singapore and Thailand by the end of the year.
11. Virtual Store Manager – Being piloted in Malaysia and Thailand.
12. Cloud Printer – Available in Indonesia and Singapore. To be rolled out in other countries by April 2026.
13. Tap to Pay – Available in the Philippines and Singapore. Coming to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand by end of the year, and Vietnam in 2027.

For more info, visit GrabX website at http://grab.com/grabx.