Google opened a preview of its Connected Apps Platform on Wednesday, October 28, giving outside developers a self-service way to build their apps into both Google Search and the Gemini app — instead of waiting to be picked as a partner. Why it matters: being a connected app is becoming one of the main ways a business gets found and used inside AI answers, and Google just turned that into an open submission process.
October 28, 2026
What happened
Google announced the Connected Apps Platform in a blog post by Search product manager Chips Mistry and Gemini app product manager Mai Lowe. Until now, connected apps — services users can link so Gemini or Search can act on them, such as building a playlist or designing a flyer — arrived through hand-picked partnerships announced in batches. The new platform lets developers register, test and submit their own app through a new Google Connected Console, choosing before review whether it will go live in Search, the Gemini app, or both. Access is opening in phases over the coming months, starting with a developer preview that U.S. developers can join through a waitlist.
How it works
Developers connect in one of two ways: a cloud-hosted MCP (Model Context Protocol) server, or Android MCP using the AppFunctions APIs. After submitting through the Connected Console and passing Google’s review, the developer controls when the app is published. Once live, developers can track traffic, latency and error rates in the console, and keep control of their brand identity, including verified logos and authenticated accounts. Google said more than 50 Connected Apps are now live across Search and Gemini. Integrations from Adobe, Experian, Localiza and Peloton are live in Gemini and will reach Search in the coming weeks, and Calm is launching a new integration across both products.
What Google has not said
The announcement leaves out the commercial terms. Google did not disclose any fees or revenue share for developers, how it chooses which app handles a request when several connected apps could do the job, or what user data passes between Google and a connected service. Review is mandatory, but Google published no review criteria or timelines.
Why it matters
This is Google building an app store for the AI era. When Search or Gemini can call a business’s service directly instead of just linking to it, showing up as a connected app is the new version of ranking on page one. For users, it should mean more tasks finished without leaving Google — booking, planning and buying inside the conversation. For businesses, the practical move is to get in the preview queue early, before the categories fill up — while keeping an eye on the unanswered questions about fees, routing and data, because those terms will decide how much this channel is really worth.
Frequently asked questions
What is Google’s Connected Apps Platform?
It is a developer platform, launched in preview on October 28, 2026, that lets developers build their services into Google Search and the Gemini app so users can take actions with those services without leaving Google.
How do developers connect an app?
Developers integrate through a cloud-hosted MCP server or Android MCP using the AppFunctions APIs, then register, test and submit the app through the Google Connected Console for Google’s review.
Which apps are already connected?
Google says more than 50 Connected Apps are live across Search and Gemini, including Adobe, Experian, Localiza and Peloton, with Calm launching across both products.
Does it cost developers anything?
Google has not said. The announcement does not mention fees, revenue share, or charges to developers or users.
Sources: Google (via PPC Land), TechCrunch, Android Central