Google Opens Connected Apps Platform for Gemini and Search with Over 50 Third-Party Apps

Google Launches Connected Apps Platform to Expand AI Ecosystems

Google has unveiled its Connected Apps Platform in developer preview, marking a strategic move to expand how businesses integrate third-party apps into Gemini and Search1

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. The platform enables developers to build once and deploy across both services, eliminating the need for separate integrations3

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. Currently available to U.S.-based developers through a waitlist, the initiative aims to reshape how users interact with third-party services through AI agents2

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Over 50 Apps Now Available Across Gemini and Search

Google has already secured more than 50 Connected Apps spanning health, productivity, commerce, and event ticketing categories2

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. Partners including Adobe, Experian, Peloton, and meditation app Calm are joining the ecosystem1

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. While these apps are currently available in Gemini, they will roll out to Google Search over the coming weeks4

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. Search currently features fewer integrations, with apps like Instacart, Canva, YouTube Music, and Yahoo Fantasy Football1

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Technical Integration Through Model Context Protocol and AppFunctions APIs

Developers can connect their apps using either a cloud-hosted Model Context Protocol server or Android's AppFunctions APIs4

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. The Model Context Protocol helps AI services communicate with external tools, while AppFunctions APIs allow apps to expose specific functions for other services to use4

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. After integration, developers use the Google Connected Console to register, test, and submit their apps1

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. They can choose whether their app appears in Search, Gemini, or both platforms2

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Tracking Performance and Maintaining Brand Control

Once live, developers can monitor traffic, latency, and error rates through the Connected Console1

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. The platform allows businesses to maintain control over their brand identity, including verified logos and authenticated accounts1

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. This centralized dashboard gives developers the ability to test integrations, submit them for review, and track performance after launch3

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Implications for the Agentic Web and Consumer Behavior

The Connected Apps Platform represents Google's response to shifting consumer behavior toward using services through AI agents rather than launching individual apps1

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. Similar to how SEO allowed companies to appear in search engine rankings, this could be an initial step for businesses wanting visibility on the agentic web1

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. Other AI services like ChatGPT and Meta's Muse have explored similar integrations, but Google's unified approach across Search and Gemini positions it to capture users who prefer handling tasks without switching between apps1

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Phased Rollout and Future Expansion

Google is rolling out access in phases, with plans to expand the developer preview to more developers, regions, and products over the coming months4

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. The company did not specify when the platform would become more broadly available beyond the current U.S. developer preview1

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. As access expands, the growing list of supported apps could reduce the time users spend switching between applications to complete tasks3

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. Watch for how quickly developers adopt the platform and whether Google can successfully retain consumer attention as AI-driven user experiences become the primary interface for accessing third-party services.