Google launched the preview of its Connected Apps Platform on October 28, 2026, which it calls "a unified way for more app developers to bring their capabilities directly into Gemini and Search." Google says: "Developers integrate with a cloud-hosted MCP server or Android MCP using the AppFunctions APIs, then use the Google Connected Console to register, test, and submit their app." Access is opening in phases. TechCrunch reported the preview is "for U.S. developers who sign up for the waitlist."

#What changed?

Google says the platform gives "developers a single place to build and manage apps for Search and the Gemini app" and lets them "build once and reach high-intent users across both Search and the Gemini app." Its developer documentation says users "link your app once" and can then "access their data and take actions in your service seamlessly from applicable Google products."

Developers pick one of two connection types, per Google's publishing guide:

  • MCP server. "Connect an MCP server to provide your services to Gemini and Search users across web, Android, and iOS." Google's MCP guide calls it "our recommended default path for foundational, cross-platform capabilities." The server "must be publicly reachable over HTTPS using the Streamable HTTP transport".
  • Android MCP. "AppFunctions are Android's MCP solution," Google's docs say. It lets apps "Expose your on-device capabilities to Gemini on Android".

"You can only choose one connection type per connected app, and this cannot be changed later." Before review, Google says, "developers choose whether it will go live in Search, the Gemini app, or both." Once live, developers "can track traffic, latency, and error rates".

#Who can join the preview?

Google says: "We're opening access in phases, and will add more developers, markets, and Google products over the coming months." It asks developers to sign up for the preview at developers.google.com/connected-apps. Google's docs say "we offer self-service onboarding to the Connected Apps Platform through Google Connected Console" during the preview.

TechCrunch reported that "The platform preview is currently available in beta to developers in the U.S." Google's own pages do not state a country limit for developers. TechCrunch also reported that "Google did not share when it would become more broadly available."

Google's prerequisites also say "The Connected Apps Terms of Service must also be accepted by an account owner or administrator." Google says it "reviews and tests your integration" before an app reaches all users.

#Which apps are already there?

Google says: "We’ve launched more than 50 Connected Apps between Search and Gemini in areas ranging from productivity and event ticketing to health and fitness."

  • Coming to Search. "Integrations with partners like Adobe, Experian, Localiza, and Peloton are live for users in Gemini, and in the coming weeks, we’ll be bringing these Connected Apps to Search as well."
  • Calm. Google says "we'll also be launching a new integration with Calm across both Search and Gemini." It gives no date.
  • Search today. Google's Search help says Connected Apps in Search are "currently available in AI Mode in the US, in English." TechCrunch reported Search already features "apps like Instacart, Canva, YouTube Music, Yahoo Fantasy Football, and others."

In Gemini, Google's help table says "The availability of Connected Apps vary by location, language, device, and Gemini app." It lists Localiza as "Search for car rentals in Brazil." Google has not said where Localiza will appear in Search.

#What do users and developers have to follow?

On the user side, Google's docs say the developer's sign-in system "asks the user to grant permission for the Google surface to access their data or service." When a user unlinks, Google says it will call the developer's revoke endpoint with the token. Search users "can connect or disconnect apps in your Connected Apps settings anytime."

Developers can mark tools "User confirmation required" so users must approve before a tool runs. Google's policy adds rules including:

  • "Connected Apps must exchange the minimum data necessary to implement the Connected App's current, active features."
  • "Connected App partners must not serve any third party advertising content or promotional material through their integrations."
  • "User data may not be exchanged or shared for monetary consideration."
  • Apps must not use "overly broad or deceptive capability descriptions to influence the model into selecting the Connected App over another Connected App."

None of the sources we read gives a price, fee or revenue share for developers.

#How does it compare?

TechCrunch compared it with "ChatGPT and Meta’s Muse", writing that such integrations "could ultimately shift consumer behavior away from launching and using individual apps". MCP is also behind Apple's iWork assistant support for outside agents; see our MCP reference servers v2 coverage for the protocol itself. For Google's other agent news, see Google Agent Compute Engine.

Our analysis: Using MCP means a developer with an existing MCP server has a direct path into Gemini and Search, which lowers the cost of supporting Google alongside other assistants. The limits are access and review: Google is admitting developers in phases and testing each app before it goes to all users.

#What is still unclear?

  • Pricing and revenue terms. None stated.
  • Developer eligibility. Google gives no country list; the U.S. limit comes from TechCrunch.
  • Dates. No date for wider access, for partners reaching Search beyond "in the coming weeks", or for Calm.
  • Search markets. No word on which countries or languages are next.