The RAW dating app has launched a function called ‘Self Love’, that uses the iPhone’s haptic abilities to turn the device into a self-pleasure device, billed as “dating’s first integrated vibrator”.
The function is available for the app’s premium subscribers. When active, it recognizes when prolific profile swiping is taking place, then asks you a prompt question that’s a variant of asking whether you’re “mistaking ovulation for love at first swipe”. Basically: are you just horny?
You can then control your iPhone’s vibrations from controls within the RAW app, using customizable speeds, patterns and vibration intensity levels. The idea is that you can get yourself off with your vibrating iPhone before making clearer-minded dating decisions on the app.
The iPhone may be a marvel of modern engineering, but it’s not designed to be inserted into bodies or have direct contact with moist erogenous zones, and RAW has been careful to clarify that “iPhone goes OVER the clothes, always”.
So, while the iPhone may have limited ability to satisfy late-night app swipers, maybe the RAW Self Love function simply asking whether you really want to message someone is useful.
And while Self Love is billed as a first for dating apps, the idea of using your iPhone’s vibrations for self-love isn’t particularly new. Apps such as Strong Vibration allow you to control the device’s vibration speed and intensity, and is billed as offering “massages”, and have been around in one form or another pretty much since the launch of the App Store.
RAW is marketed as a more “authentic” dating app than its rivals, as to use it you upload a new photo of yourself each day rather than meticulously-curated and filtered selfies.
Earlier in 2025 the company announced that it would release a biometric “digital faithfulness” ring for partners to wear, that supposedly lights up when your other half is cheating on you, which we guess could be considered an extension of the “authentic” theme.
Announced back in March, The Ring is yet to have a confirmed release plan.
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