Google is expanding AI Mode in Search from a conversational answer engine into a task-oriented hub. Users can now connect selected services, including Instacart, Canva and YouTube Music, to shop, design and create playlists from a search session.
TL;DR
- Google is rolling out Connected Apps in AI Mode in the United States, in English.
- Initial integrations include Instacart, Canva and YouTube Music.
- Users can build grocery carts, find design templates and save playlists through natural-language requests.
- Connected services can be managed or disconnected through Google Account settings.
Google Brings App Actions Into AI Mode
Google announced the Connected Apps update on July 16, 2026, positioning it as a way to reduce the steps needed to move from searching for information to completing a task.
In the official announcement, Chips Mistry, Senior Product Manager for Search, and Biharck Araújo, Engineering Lead for Search, said, “You’ll be able to securely link and interact with your go-to services directly in AI Mode.”
The rollout begins with three categories. Instacart supports grocery-related actions, Canva handles creative design requests and YouTube Music supports playlist creation and playback.
For example, a user planning a barbecue can ask AI Mode to create a grocery list and add the required ingredients to an Instacart cart. Checkout, order management and delivery tracking still take place through Instacart’s app or website.
A user creating a flyer can ask Canva to show suitable templates, while someone planning a party can request a themed playlist, save it to YouTube Music and begin listening. Google also notes that users may be directed to the connected service to finalize, modify or download the result.
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How Connected Apps Work
The feature requires users to be signed into a Google Account. Many integrations also require a separate account with the third-party service, which must be linked before AI Mode can perform an action.
Users can name a preferred app in their prompt or choose from available services when AI Mode presents an option. Google may default to the last service used for a task, although users can change the selected app when alternatives are available.
The rollout is currently limited to AI Mode users in the United States and works in English. Availability may vary by device, location and the age requirements of each connected service.
Users can review or remove app connections through their Google Account settings. Disconnecting a service stops Google from accessing that app account and disables features that rely on the link across signed-in devices.
From Answers To Actions
The release marks another step in Google’s effort to make AI-powered Search more useful for completing real-world tasks. Instead of only returning information, AI Mode can now help assemble an outcome, transfer it to a partner service and leave the user to complete sensitive steps such as checkout.
The approach also keeps important controls with the user. People must grant permission before linking services, can select which supported app handles a request and can disconnect an account when they no longer want Search to access it.
Google says it is working with more partners and plans to launch additional app integrations. The company also warns that generative AI responses can contain mistakes, making user review important before purchases, publishing or other consequential actions.
