---
title: "Gemini Connected Apps Platform (2026): how it works for Gemini and AI Mode"
description: "Google's Connected Apps Platform brings apps into Gemini and AI Mode through MCP. How it works, who is live, availability and how developers join the preview."
canonical: "https://thenotetakers.com/gemini-connected-apps-platform"
last_updated: "2026-11-02"
---


# Gemini Connected Apps Platform (2026): how it works for Gemini and AI Mode

**The Connected Apps Platform is Google's developer preview, launched Oct 28, 2026. It lets an app build one integration and reach users in the Gemini app and in AI Mode in Search. Our pick is the MCP server path: it is grade 3 on our depth scale, and Google calls it the "recommended default path". Google lists no price, and access opens in phases through Google Connected Console.**

What changed: Nov 2, 2026: new page covering the Oct 28 preview launch, the two integration paths, the four MCP build phases, partners Google names and availability limits.

## Gemini Connected Apps Platform: the MCP server is the path to pick

The MCP server is grade 3 for reaching Gemini and AI Mode users on Android, iOS and the Web; no price is listed and access is by preview application (Google for Developers, checked Nov 2, 2026).

Google describes the platform as "a unified way for more app developers to bring their capabilities directly into Gemini and Search." A user links your app once. After that, they can reach their data and take actions in your service from Google products such as the Gemini app and Search. Before review, you choose whether your app goes live in Search, the Gemini app or both.

Connected Apps themselves are not new. Gemini and AI Mode already connect to apps like Instacart, Canva and YouTube Music. What launched on Oct 28 is the developer side: one place to build, register, review and monitor those apps.

## How we grade the two integration paths

Google documents two ways in: a remote MCP server, and Android MCP built on AppFunctions. This page grades those two paths, not the apps built on them. The grade covers only what Google's own pages say about reaching Gemini and Search users.

| Grade | Meaning on this page |
|---|---|
| 0 | No documented path into the Gemini app or Search |
| 1 | A documented path into the Gemini app on one platform |
| 2 | A documented path across Android, iOS and the Web |
| 3 | Grade 2, plus documented in-conversation UI (MCP Apps or `resourceUri`) and documented user authorization (OAuth 2.1) |

Paths are shelved by grade, then plan required, then price. "Where tools run" is printed for each path but does not move it. "Not documented" never counts as "no". It means Google's pages, as we read them, do not show that grade step. Neither path has a price: the program is a preview, and Google opens access in phases.

**Shelved by depth grade, then plan required, then price. Last checked Nov 2, 2026.**

| Path | Depth grade | Reach | Where tools run | In-conversation UI | User authorization | Plan required | Price | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCP server | 3 | Android, iOS and the Web | Your remote MCP server on a public HTTPS endpoint | MCP Apps, `resourceUri` UI widgets | OAuth 2.1 | Preview application, Google Connected Console | No price listed | Nov 2, 2026 |
| Android MCP (AppFunctions) | 1 | Android | On the Android device (client-side path) | Not documented | Not documented | Preview application, Google Connected Console | No price listed | Nov 2, 2026 |

The order is set at the grade step, so plan and price (tied for both paths) do not come into play.

## The two integration paths, shelved

### MCP server (grade 3)

The MCP server is grade 3 for reaching Gemini and AI Mode users on Android, iOS and the Web; no price is listed (Google for Developers, checked Nov 2, 2026).

You connect your tools and authorized data through the [Model Context Protocol](/best-ai-notetakers-mcp-api-ai-agents), an open standard. Google says the MCP server "lets you scale across Android, iOS, and the Web" and calls it "your path to maximum reach with minimal overhead." If you already run [Web APIs](/free-ai-notetakers-with-api-access) or a remote MCP server, Google says you can reuse them under its MCP server specification.

Two documented extras put it at grade 3. With MCP Apps and `resourceUri` bindings, tool output can render as branded, interactive UI widgets in sandboxed iframes inside the conversation. OAuth 2.1 lets the Gemini app act in your service on behalf of the user.

- **Best for:** one integration that reaches the Gemini app and Search on Android, iOS and the Web.
- **Limitation:** the server must sit on a public HTTPS endpoint before you can try it in Gemini Developer Mode, and Google lists no price or review timeline.
- **Plan required:** preview application through Google Connected Console. **Price:** no price listed.
- **Last checked:** Nov 2, 2026.

### Android MCP with AppFunctions (grade 1)

Android MCP with AppFunctions is grade 1 for reaching Gemini app and Search users on Android; no price is listed (Google for Developers, checked Nov 2, 2026).

Google calls AppFunctions "Android's MCP solution." It is a client-side path: an Android app shares its features with assistants such as the Gemini app. Google says it suits apps that want tool execution to happen locally on the device. AppFunctions can use on-device content and fit actions that depend on the app's current state. You build it with the Jetpack AppFunctions SDK.

Google's launch post says developers on either path, a cloud-hosted MCP server or Android MCP, choose whether the app goes live in Search, the Gemini app or both. The pages we read do not document chat UI or user authorization for this path, so it stops at grade 1.

- **Best for:** Android apps whose actions need on-device content or the app's current state.
- **Limitation:** Android only, and Google's pages do not document in-conversation UI or user authorization for this path.
- **Plan required:** preview application through Google Connected Console. **Price:** no price listed.
- **Last checked:** Nov 2, 2026.

## How to build a connected app for Gemini: the four phases

Google's MCP server guide (page dated Oct 27, 2026) splits the work into four phases.

1. **Build.** Write a remote MCP server with clear server instructions, since AI models rely on them to route requests to your server. Add a safety annotation to every tool: `readOnlyHint=True` marks query operations that only read data, and `destructiveHint=True` marks state-changing actions. Give each tool typed arguments and detailed docstrings. Optionally, bind tool output to a UI resource with `resourceUri`.
2. **Validate.** Run the server on your own machine and connect to it with MCP Inspector (`npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector`). Call each tool, check the raw JSON input and output, and confirm your UI resources render in the browser.
3. **Deploy and check in Gemini Developer Mode.** Host the server on a public HTTPS endpoint, on any cloud you like. On Google Cloud, Google points to `gcloud run deploy` on Cloud Run. Then run live tool calls in Gemini Developer Mode and use its Event Log, Tool Schemas, Environment simulation and Authentication settings tabs.
4. **Register.** Request access with Google's interest form. In Google Connected Console, set your app details, configure authentication and endpoints, discover tools, manage preview testers and submit for review.

Once your app is live, the launch post says you can track traffic, latency and error rates, and keep verified logos and authenticated accounts.

## What users get in the Gemini app and AI Mode

**In the Gemini app.** You name the app in your prompt or type `@[app name]`. If it is not connected and you are eligible, Gemini offers to connect it. You can also browse apps and review their supported actions in Connected Apps settings. Gemini's answers may include embedded content from the connected app.

**In AI Mode in Search.** On a computer, open Google Search and choose AI Mode, or go to google.com/ai, then ask. AI Mode may hand you off to the app to finish: Instacart for grocery checkout, YouTube Music for playback, Canva to download or edit a design. Google may default to the last app you used for a task. Name a different app in your request to switch.

## Who is live on Connected Apps

Google's launch post says it has launched "more than 50 Connected Apps between Search and Gemini." Adobe, Experian, Localiza and Peloton are live in Gemini, and Google says they come to Search "in the coming weeks." A Calm integration is coming to both.

Google's Gemini help table lists many more apps. Productivity examples include Dropbox, Granola, [Linear](/ai-notetakers-update-project-management-tools), Miro and Otter.ai. Other rows include OpenTable, Spotify, Strava, Ticketmaster and YouTube Music. Search help names Instacart, YouTube Music and Canva as examples, and says Search starts with media, fantasy sports, grocery and design apps.

Six apps as Google's Gemini table lists them, in alphabetical order, not ranked:

| App | What Google says it does | Ages | Location | Language | Gemini apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe | Work with Adobe products such as Creative Cloud, Lightroom and Photoshop | 18 or over | Wherever Gemini Apps and Adobe are supported | English only | Web, mobile, Windows |
| Canva | Create designs, manage assets and collaborate | 13 or over | Wherever Gemini Apps and Canva are supported | English, French, Hindi, Indonesian and Portuguese | Web, mobile, Windows |
| Experian | Monitor your FICO credit score and credit report factors | 18 or over | US only | English only | Web, mobile, Windows |
| Instacart | Shop for groceries and household items | 13 or over | US only | English only | Web, mobile, Windows, Gemini in Chrome |
| Localiza | Search car rentals in Brazil and pass the booking to Localiza | 18 or over | Brazil only | Portuguese only | Web, mobile, Windows |
| Peloton | Find and schedule classes and build multi-day training plans | 18 or over | US only | English only | Web, mobile, Windows |

All six rows require a personal Google Account. Last checked Nov 2, 2026.

## Availability and requirements

**AI Mode.** Google says the feature is "currently available in AI Mode in the US, in English." You must be signed in to a Google Account. Many apps also need an account with their own service, linked to your Google Account. Age limits follow each app's own account rules.

**Gemini.** Many rows in Google's table read: personal Google Account only, 18 or over, US only, English only. Dropbox, Experian, Linear, Miro, Peloton and Ticketmaster all read that way. The exceptions Google lists:

- Localiza: Brazil only, Portuguese only.
- Canva: 13 or over, in English, French, Hindi, Indonesian and Portuguese.
- OpenTable: UK and US only.
- YouTube Music: personal, work or school Google Account.
- Strava: needs a paid Strava subscription.
- Spotify: Gemini mobile app only.

Google adds that availability varies by location, language, device and Gemini app. An app can work in the Gemini mobile app but not on gemini.google.com, or the other way around.

**Developers.** Google says: "We're opening access in phases, and will add more developers, markets, and Google products over the coming months."

## What Google has not said yet

- **Price:** none of Google's Connected Apps pages lists a price or fee for developers.
- **Review:** the pages give no review timeline and no approval criteria.
- **Markets:** no dates for new markets or products, only "over the coming months."
- **AI Mode rollout:** the Gemini launch partners come to Search only "in the coming weeks," with no date.
- **Developer Mode:** the pages do not say how a developer turns on Gemini Developer Mode or who qualifies.

## Best for

- **Best for reaching Gemini and AI Mode users on every platform:** MCP server (grade 3, no price listed).
- **Best for reusing existing Web APIs or a remote MCP server:** MCP server (grade 3, no price listed).
- **Best for Android apps that need on-device content:** Android MCP with AppFunctions (grade 1, no price listed).

## FAQ

### What is the Gemini Connected Apps Platform?

It is Google's preview, launched Oct 28, 2026, for building apps that work inside the Gemini app and AI Mode in Search. Developers build one integration, register it in Google Connected Console and choose Search, Gemini or both.

### How do I connect apps to Gemini?

Name the app in your prompt or type `@[app name]`, and Gemini offers to connect it if you are eligible. You can also browse and connect apps in Connected Apps settings.

### Does AI Mode support connected apps?

Yes. Google says connected apps are currently available in AI Mode in the US, in English, and you need a Google Account plus, for many apps, an account with the app.

### Is the Connected Apps Platform built on MCP?

Yes. Google's two paths are a remote MCP server, which Google recommends by default, and Android MCP built on AppFunctions.

### How do developers join the Connected Apps Platform preview?

Apply through Google's interest form, then register the app in Google Connected Console. Google is opening access in phases.

### How do I disconnect an app from Gemini or Google Search?

For Search, go to myaccount.google.com/connections, select the app and choose Delete all. Google's Gemini help says you can unlink a linked app account at any time.

## Sources

- [Build and manage Connected Apps in one place, Google blog, Oct 28, 2026](https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/technology/developers-tools/connected-apps-one-place/) (checked Nov 2, 2026)
- [Connected Apps Platform, Google for Developers](https://developers.google.com/connected-apps) (checked Nov 2, 2026)
- [Connected Apps Platform MCP server developer guide, Google for Developers](https://developers.google.com/connected-apps/mcp) (page dated Oct 27, 2026; checked Nov 2, 2026)
- [Use and manage Connected Apps in Search, Google Search Help](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/17265703) (checked Nov 2, 2026)
- [Availability and requirements of Connected Apps in Gemini Apps, Gemini Apps Help](https://support.google.com/gemini/table/17434654) (checked Nov 2, 2026)