Google Opens Gemini and Search to Third Party Apps With Connected Apps Platform
Google opens its Connected Apps Platform, letting U.S. developers bring services to Gemini and Search through MCP, with over 50 integrations already live.
Summary
Google debuted the Connected Apps Platform on October 28, 2026, opening Gemini and Search integrations to any business or developer. Connected apps, introduced earlier in 2026, securely link services and perform actions, such as designing a Canva flyer or creating a YouTube Music playlist. U.S. developers in the waitlisted public beta can connect a cloud hosted Model Context Protocol server or Android MCP through AppFunctions APIs, then register, test and submit apps in Google Connected Console for Search, Gemini or both.
Developers can monitor traffic, latency and error rates while controlling verified logos and authenticated accounts. Gemini already offers over 50 connected apps, including Adobe, Experian, Localiza and Peloton, alongside Google's Workplace, Photos, YouTube Music and Google Home. These will reach Search over the next few weeks, expanding its smaller selection of Instacart, Canva, YouTube Music and Yahoo Fantasy Football integrations. Calm will soon launch on both products. Google provided no broader availability date. The platform creates an SEO-like route to visibility on the agentic web, where Google, ChatGPT and Meta's Muse could shift users from opening individual apps to accessing services through AI providers.
Positives
- Over 50 connected apps are already available in Gemini, including Adobe, Experian, Localiza and Peloton.
- Any business or developer can submit integrations for Gemini, Google Search or both through the new platform.
- Google Connected Console provides traffic, latency and error monitoring after an app launches.
- Verified logos and authenticated accounts let developers retain control over their brand identities.
- Calm will soon join Gemini and Search, while Gemini's existing integrations will expand to Search within weeks.
Risks & concerns
- Public preview is limited to waitlisted developers in the United States.
- Google has not disclosed when the Connected Apps Platform will become more broadly available.
- Google Search currently supports fewer integrations than Gemini despite the planned expansion.
- AI mediated access could reduce direct launches and usage of individual apps.
- Businesses may need a new visibility strategy as services compete for discovery within agentic platforms.