Google has launched a new platform that lets businesses connect their apps to its AI tools. The company announced the Connected Apps Platform on October 28, 2026.
The platform covers both Google Search and the Gemini app. It allows developers to build, submit, and track apps that work inside Google’s AI features.
How Connected Apps Work
Google first introduced connected apps in Gemini and Google Search earlier this year. The feature lets users securely link third-party services and use them to complete specific tasks.
For example, a user could connect to Canva to design a flyer. Another user could connect to YouTube Music to build a playlist without leaving Google’s AI tools.
Other AI services offer similar features. OpenAI’s ChatGPT has its own connected apps, and Meta has taken a similar approach with its Muse service.
Until now, Google’s connected apps came from a set of chosen partners. The new platform opens the process to any business or developer that wants to reach users through Search or Gemini.
What Developers Need to Do
The platform is available in beta to developers in the U.S. Apps built through it can be used across Google’s products.
To get started, developers connect to a cloud-hosted MCP server or Android MCP using the AppFunctions APIs. MCP stands for Model Context Protocol, a standard that helps apps talk to AI systems.
Developers then use the Google Connected Console to register, test, and submit their app. They can pick whether the app appears in Search, the Gemini app, or both.
Once an app is live, developers can track its traffic, latency, and error rates. Latency measures how quickly the app responds to a request.
Developers also keep control of their brand identity. This includes verified logos and authenticated accounts.
Gemini already offers more than 50 connected apps. Partners include Adobe, Experian, Localiza, and Peloton.
Gemini also works with many of Google’s own services. These include Google Photos, YouTube Music, and Google Home.
Google Search currently has fewer integrations than Gemini. Apps on Search today include Instacart, Canva, YouTube Music, and Yahoo Fantasy Football.
Google said the apps now available in Gemini will come to Google Search over the next few weeks. That will expand the number of services users can reach directly from Search.
The company also named meditation app Calm as a new partner. Calm’s app will soon launch on both Gemini and Search.
The Connected Apps Platform is now in public preview for U.S. developers who join the waitlist. Google did not say when the platform will become available more widely.
