On October 28, 2026, Google launched the Connected Apps Platform in preview: developers plug in a cloud-hosted MCP server or Android MCP, then register, test and submit their app in the Google Connected Console, choosing Search, Gemini or both. More than 50 connected apps already exist. Access opens in phases, with markets added over the coming months that the post does not name, and the user has to connect the app to a Google Account before it acts in AI Mode. The Search help page says the feature is currently available in AI Mode in English in the US.
Contents
On October 28, 2026, Google launched the preview of its Connected Apps Platform, described as a unified route for app developers to bring their capabilities directly into Gemini and Search.1 Access opens in phases, and the user connects the app to a Google Account before it takes part in their answers.12 Search Engine Roundtable relayed the announcement the same day, with John Mueller's reaction.3 This article covers what Google announced, how a service plugs in, what the user sees and what the platform implies on a small business's side.
01What Google launched on October 28
Google's post, written by Chips Mistry (Search) and Mai Lowe (Gemini app), announces two things: the platform for developers and a new set of connected apps from partners.1
One platform, two surfaces
Google presents the platform as a way to build once and reach high-intent users in both Search and the Gemini app.1 Before review, the developer chooses whether the app goes live in Search, in the Gemini app or in both.1
Once the app is live, the developer can track traffic, latency and error rates, and keep control of the brand's identity, with verified logos and authenticated accounts.1
A preview that opens in phases
Google says it is opening access in phases and will add developers, markets and Google products over the coming months, without listing the markets.1 The developer overview page adds that during the preview, onboarding goes through an application for the preview and then self-service in the Google Connected Console.4
Apps already available
Google counts more than 50 connected apps between Search and Gemini, in areas ranging from productivity to event ticketing, and from health to fitness.1 Adobe, Experian, Localiza and Peloton are live in Gemini, and Google plans to bring them to Search in the coming weeks. Calm launches in both at once.1
02How a service plugs in
Google's documentation describes the platform as the way to bring apps and services directly into Gemini and Search: users reach their live account context and complete real-world actions within the conversation.4 They link the service once, then use their data and actions from the relevant Google products.4
Two integration paths
The documentation distinguishes two paths, matching the two options named in the post.4
| Path | Principle according to Google's documentation |
|---|---|
| MCP server | tools and authorized data are exposed by a remote server through the open MCP protocol; rich interactive interfaces are possible with MCP Apps |
| Android MCP | an Android app's functions are shared with assistants through AppFunctions, with execution on the device; the kit used is Jetpack AppFunctions |
For the MCP server path, Google points to a dedicated guide and to an OAuth 2.1 implementation guide, which is used to authorize the Gemini app to interact with a user's services on their behalf.4
One protocol among the paths open to agents
MCP therefore serves as an entry point to services that AI agents call, one of the two routes described in the article on Google-Agent and the UCP protocol: browsing pages on one side, protocols on the other.
From sign-up to publication
The path Google describes follows the steps below.1
| Step | What the developer does |
|---|---|
| 1 | apply for the preview |
| 2 | integrate a cloud-hosted MCP server, or Android MCP |
| 3 | register the tools, then test the app in the Google Connected Console |
| 4 | choose Search, Gemini or both, then submit the app for review |
| 5 | track traffic, latency and errors once the app is live |
03What the user sees, and where the rollout stands
The Search help page describes the user side in AI Mode: connecting Search to your apps to get more personalized responses and take actions in natural language, with your permission.2
Activation by the user
Google gives as examples making a playlist with a music app, building a grocery cart from a recipe and creating a design with a creative app.2 An app has to be connected to the Google Account to act. If it is not connected yet, AI Mode offers to connect it, and many apps first require an account with their own service.2
Once the request is handled, AI Mode may send the user to the app to finish the action: paying for a grocery cart goes through Instacart, for example.2 The user can name the app in their question, and manages or removes connections in the Connected Apps settings of their Google Account.2
Search Engine Roundtable points out that building an app does not make it visible by itself: the user must add it to their personalized Search settings.3
Where the rollout stands
The help page says the feature is currently available in AI Mode in the US, in English, and that the availability of apps varies by location, language and device.2 It lists Instacart, Canva, YouTube Music, Yahoo Fantasy Football and Sleeper Fantasy Football among the supported apps.2
John Mueller's reaction
John Mueller, from Google, wrote on LinkedIn that he is excited about connected apps as a search platform, that it is still very early and that he is curious how it will turn out. In his view, the mix of a standardized interface, MCP, and Search opens up many possibilities. He adds that he does not work on connected apps, so this is his own point of view.3
What the platform implies for a small business
The sources describe a setup aimed at developers: an application for the preview, a remote MCP server or an Android app, and OAuth 2.1 authorization.4 On the user side, an account with the service is often needed.2 Google's help examples include a grocery cart, an action that touches online stores and their catalog of product pages.
These apps appear in AI Mode, an answer engine, a category that the article on GEO sets apart from classic search.