Google debuted its Connected Apps Platform, enabling developers to embed their services directly into Google Search and Gemini. The move signals a fundamental shift in how Google sees digital discovery—away from apps toward AI-driven interfaces that execute tasks without requiring users to leave Google's ecosystem.
The platform lets users securely connect third-party services and run specific actions through Google's AI. Examples include designing a flyer with Canva or building a playlist via YouTube Music, all within the AI conversation.
Google's bet mirrors similar integrations from OpenAI's ChatGPT and Meta's Muse. The economic calculus is straightforward: whoever controls the AI interface controls where users go for tasks, making the AI itself the distribution layer. This replaces the app store as the primary discovery mechanism.
To succeed, the platform needs scale. Google is opening access to any developer willing to submit applications, handling both registration and monitoring through its Connected Console. Developers retain control over which surfaces—Search, Gemini app, or both—their app appears on.
The technical architecture relies on developers connecting to a cloud-hosted Model Context Protocol (MCP) server or Android MCP using AppFunctions APIs. Once integrated, developers can monitor traffic, latency, and error rates through Google's dashboard.
The platform is currently in public beta preview for U.S. developers on a waitlist.
Google already operates more than 50 Connected Apps within Gemini, including Adobe, Experian, Localiza, and Peloton. Google's own services—Workplace, Photos, YouTube Music, Google Home—are built in as well. These Gemini integrations will extend to Search over the next few weeks, alongside new partners like meditation app Calm.
Search currently features fewer direct integrations: Instacart, Canva, YouTube Music, and Yahoo Fantasy Football.
Google has not disclosed when the Connected Apps Platform will exit beta or roll out globally.
