Google previews Connected Apps for Search and Gemini

Google has opened a preview of its Connected Apps Platform, giving app developers a shared route into Search and the Gemini app. For commerce software founders, it is a new distribution surface to evaluate, rather than a new Shopify integration to switch on.

In its 28 October announcement, Google says developers can register, test and submit an app through the Google Connected Console, selecting Search, Gemini or both before review. Access is opening in phases, with more developers, markets and Google products planned over the coming months.

Two integration routes

The developer overview describes a remote MCP server for exposing authorised tools and data, with OAuth 2.1 authorisation guidance. It also offers Android MCP through AppFunctions for functionality executed locally on Android devices. MCP Apps can supply interactive interfaces.

Connected Console handles registration, review and publishing as well as usage analysis. Google says developers can monitor traffic, latency and errors after launch. Applications for preview access are open; that is not a promise that every applicant can publish immediately.

What a commerce app team should evaluate

Start with one task that benefits from account context: finding an existing order, explaining its status or preparing a return request, for example. These are possible product ideas, not capabilities Google has announced for your app.

Separate read access from changes that affect an order or customer account. Decide which actions need explicit approval and how users recover when an action fails. An integration should be useful even when the assistant cannot finish the whole workflow.

Also budget for operating the integration. A successful demo is different from handling expired authorisation, slow downstream systems and support requests. Use the platform’s monitoring to identify failures, then compare completed tasks and support outcomes with your existing channels.

Availability is product-specific

Google says more than 50 Connected Apps have launched across Search and Gemini. Its named partners include Adobe, Experian, Localiza and Peloton, with additional rollouts planned. Availability in one Google product should not be read as simultaneous availability in both.

For merchants, this announcement alone is not a reason to replace the store’s current Google sales setup. For app builders, the concrete next step is to read the integration and policy requirements and apply for the preview with a narrowly defined use case.

Google’s Connected Apps announcement — 28 October 2026

Read Google’s original announcement on X.