Google has opened public preview access to its Connected Apps Platform, giving developers an opportunity to bring their applications into Google Search's AI Mode and the Gemini app. The platform allows Google's AI to connect with external applications and use their features to complete tasks for users. Developers can now apply for access, but Google will review and test each application before approving it.
The company announced the platform on October 28. Robby Stein, Google's VP of Product for Search, later confirmed on X that the public preview was open.
Google has also introduced rules for developers on how they describe their applications. The policy does not allow misleading or exaggerated capability descriptions intended to make an AI model select one app over another.
A New Application Process For Google's AI Ecosystem
Developers can connect their applications to Google's platform through a remote MCP server or Android AppFunctions.
MCP, short for Model Context Protocol, is an open standard that allows AI models to communicate with external tools and services. Google says this method can make applications available to users across Search and Gemini on the web, Android and iOS.
The second option, AppFunctions, is designed for Android applications and provides access to Gemini users on Android devices.
Developers must register through the Google Connected Console. During registration, they need to select a category for their application. This category sets the minimum capabilities the app must support and cannot be changed once registration is complete.
They must also provide at least three capabilities that will appear to users when they consider connecting an application. The registration process also requires developers to specify the countries, languages and Google products where their apps should be available.
Google will review and test every application before approving it. Developers must provide test accounts and sample data if their apps require users to sign in. Applications that Google cannot properly test may not receive approval.
Google Wants AI To Recommend Apps Based On Their Actual Features
Google has published a Connected Apps policy to ensure developers follow clear guidelines when submitting their applications.
The policy does not allow an app to mention competing tools or provide instructions about when another application should be used. It also prohibits developers from using misleading or overly broad descriptions to influence the AI model's decision.
This matters because AI models use instructions provided by connected apps to understand which tasks they can handle. Google's MCP documentation advises developers to write clear instructions so the model can identify when their application is relevant to a user's request.
Developers must therefore explain their app's actual features instead of making exaggerated claims to increase their chances of being selected.
AI Mode Gives Users More Ways To Work With Apps
Google is also giving users options to control which connected applications they want to use.
According to Google's Search help documentation, AI Mode may automatically select the last application a user used for a particular task. However, users can mention another app directly in their request if they want to use a different service.
They can also start with a general search query and choose an application from the available options.
This gives users more control over how they complete tasks through connected services.
The Current Lineup Includes Five Search Integrations
Google has already introduced connected applications in AI Mode for users in the United States who use English.
The applications currently listed on Google's help page include:
- Instacart
- Canva
- YouTube Music
- Yahoo Fantasy Football
- Sleeper Fantasy Football
Google says more than 50 connected applications have been launched across Search and Gemini.
Developers whose apps go live will also be able to access performance data, including traffic, latency and error rates. These details can help them track how their applications perform within Google's AI products.
Why App Developers Should Pay Attention To This Launch
The public preview gives developers a new way to make their applications available through Google's AI-powered services.
Instead of relying only on users visiting their websites or opening their apps, businesses can explore opportunities to reach people through AI-driven tasks.
However, getting an application selected will depend on its actual capabilities and how clearly those capabilities are explained. Google's policy makes it clear that developers cannot use misleading descriptions to gain an advantage over other connected apps.
More Integrations Expected In The Coming Months
Google plans to expand the platform gradually by adding more developers, geographic markets and Google products over the next few months.
The company also plans to bring applications from existing Gemini partners, including Adobe, Experian, Localiza and Peloton, to Search. A new integration with Calm is also expected to become available across both Search and Gemini.
Google Search Advocate John Mueller shared his thoughts on the development in a LinkedIn comment. He expressed excitement about connected apps as a search platform but also pointed out that the technology is still at a very early stage.
