Duolingo Update: Advanced Courses, New Language Options, and Free Learning Tools
Duolingo has expanded its course catalog with 148 new language courses, according to an announcement from Duolingo, Inc. The new courses primarily support beginner levels (CEFR A1–A2) and include immersive features such as Stories for reading comprehension and DuoRadio for listening practice. More advanced content is scheduled to roll out in the coming months.
The expansion targets global learners seeking popular Asian languages, including Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin. New course availability spans multiple regions, with Latin America receiving Spanish and Portuguese offerings.
Advanced Content Now Available
Duolingo's nine most popular language courses now include advanced content, a shift from the platform's previous focus on beginner and intermediate material. This update makes higher-level learning accessible without requiring a paid subscription, marking a strategic move toward user growth over immediate monetization.
The company's stated goal is to reach 100 million daily active users by offering premium education for free. This positions Duolingo differently from competitors like Babbel and Busuu, which typically require paid subscriptions for advanced coursework.
Chinese B1 Level and Chess Feature
Unofficial Duolingo data tracking reports that Chinese B1 content became available in February 2026, accessible from all languages except Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The same update introduced PlayerVsPlayer functionality to the Chess feature across Android and iOS devices.
Story and Radio counts were also refreshed across nearly all core courses during this period. The fourth section for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean courses, containing 60 units at CEFR A2 level, remains under development.
New Free Learning Tools
Recent product updates include several free tools for learners: Speaking Adventures, Flashcards, Explain My Answer, and a Practice Hub. These additions complement the expanded advanced content and give users more ways to reinforce their learning without additional cost.
Course Structure Improvements
Duolingo's official blog highlights that courses are now more practical, with increased speaking and listening components integrated directly into lessons. The company describes the updated courses as "smarter, more engaging, and more complete" while retaining the gamification elements and social features that keep learners motivated.
Availability
Users can find the latest version through the Google Play Store on Android devices. The update process involves searching for Duolingo and installing the most recent release to access the new courses and features.
For ongoing announcements about product releases and contests, Duolingo directs users to its official social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram under the handle @duolingo.
