Who can use the Google Connected Apps Platform today?

The Google Connected Apps Platform is in preview, and developers have to apply through Google Connected Console. Google says access is opening in phases, with more developers, markets and Google products added over the coming months. TechCrunch describes the first phase as a beta for developers in the U.S., and Google has not said when it will be broadly available.

Which companies already have Connected Apps in Gemini?

Google says more than 50 Connected Apps are live across Search and the Gemini app, in areas such as productivity, event ticketing, health and fitness. Adobe, Experian, Localiza and Peloton are live in Gemini and will reach Search in the coming weeks, and the meditation app Calm is launching on both Search and Gemini.

When should a developer use Android AppFunctions instead of an MCP server?

Google's Connected Apps docs describe a remote MCP server as the standard server-side path, with OAuth 2.1 so the Gemini app can act on a user's behalf. Android AppFunctions is Android's MCP option and fits when the tool should run locally on the user's device instead of on the developer's server.

How does Google's platform compare to apps in ChatGPT?

TechCrunch notes that ChatGPT and Meta's Muse also let outside apps plug into their assistants, each with a different approach. Google's version is built on MCP and AppFunctions and lets one submission reach two surfaces, Google Search and the Gemini app, chosen by the developer before review.

Google · 2026-10-28 · major

Google Connected Apps Platform — build one app for Search and Gemini

Google's Connected Apps Platform is a new developer preview for building one app that runs inside Google Search, the Gemini app, or both. Apps connect through a remote MCP server or Android AppFunctions and are managed in Google Connected Console.

Google blog banner for the Connected Apps Platform preview for Search and the Gemini app

Google opens Search and the Gemini app to outside apps: connect over MCP once, then pick where your app goes live.

Quick facts

Maker	Google (Search and Gemini app teams)
Status	Preview, opening in phases
Integration	Remote MCP server (OAuth 2.1) or Android MCP via AppFunctions
Surfaces	Google Search, Gemini app, or both
Tooling	Google Connected Console
Apps live	50+ across Search and Gemini

What is it?

Google's Connected Apps Platform, launched in preview on 28 October 2026, gives developers a single place to build and manage apps for Search and the Gemini app. Connected apps such as Canva and YouTube Music arrived in Search and Gemini earlier in 2026; the preview lets other developers apply to add their own.

How does it work?

Developers expose their service as tools in one of two ways: a cloud-hosted MCP server that uses OAuth 2.1 so Gemini can act for the signed-in user, or Android MCP through the AppFunctions APIs when the tool should run locally on the phone. Google Connected Console handles tool registration, testing, review and publishing, and before review the developer chooses Search, the Gemini app, or both.

Why does it matter?

Because the platform is built on MCP, a team that already runs an MCP server for other agents can reuse it to reach Search and Gemini users. After launch, the console reports traffic, latency and error rates, and brands keep verified logos and authenticated accounts.

Who is it for?

app developers and businesses that already run, or plan to run, an MCP server

Frequently asked questions

Who can use the Google Connected Apps Platform today?: The Google Connected Apps Platform is in preview, and developers have to apply through Google Connected Console. Google says access is opening in phases, with more developers, markets and Google products added over the coming months. TechCrunch describes the first phase as a beta for developers in the U.S., and Google has not said when it will be broadly available.
Which companies already have Connected Apps in Gemini?: Google says more than 50 Connected Apps are live across Search and the Gemini app, in areas such as productivity, event ticketing, health and fitness. Adobe, Experian, Localiza and Peloton are live in Gemini and will reach Search in the coming weeks, and the meditation app Calm is launching on both Search and Gemini.
When should a developer use Android AppFunctions instead of an MCP server?: Google's Connected Apps docs describe a remote MCP server as the standard server-side path, with OAuth 2.1 so the Gemini app can act on a user's behalf. Android AppFunctions is Android's MCP option and fits when the tool should run locally on the user's device instead of on the developer's server.
How does Google's platform compare to apps in ChatGPT?: TechCrunch notes that ChatGPT and Meta's Muse also let outside apps plug into their assistants, each with a different approach. Google's version is built on MCP and AppFunctions and lets one submission reach two surfaces, Google Search and the Gemini app, chosen by the developer before review.

Try it

https://connected.google.com/console/help/?apply