Google’s AI Mode now lets you link and interact with select apps

Googling announced Thursday that it now allows users to connect and interact with some of their favorite apps directly in AI Mode, the tech giant’s conversational search experience. At launch, supported apps include Instacart, Canva, and YouTube.

With this new update, Google is expanding AI mode beyond answering questions and completing tasks in the apps they use regularly. The tech giant is also likely hoping that users will rely on AI mode more often for things like planning and shopping. Additionally, the rollout will allow Google to better compete with rivals such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic. Claudeboth of which support app integrations.

In one example, Google says that if you’re planning a barbecue and use AI mode to create a shopping list, you can connect your Instacart account to add the ingredients directly to your cart and quickly check out in the Instacart app or website.

Or if you’re working on a project and need design ideas, for example for a flyer, you can ask Canva to show you a selection of templates. In another example, Google says you can use AI mode to create a playlist for your next party and save it directly to YouTube Music.

The update is rolling out to users in the US. Google says it is working with a range of partners and plans to launch support for more apps soon.

Today’s announcement builds on an opportunity from Google launched earlier this year at Google I/O that allows users to connect third-party apps to the Gemini app to complete tasks faster. Supported apps include Canva, OpenTable, Spark, Instacart and more.

Since its launch in early 2025, Google has continuously expanded the AI ​​mode with more capabilities. Recently, the tech giant announced that AI Mode can now help check if an item you need is in stock at a store nearby. Google also recently added the ability for users to explore the web side-by-side using AI mode to do things like compare details and ask follow-up questions, while still maintaining the context of their search.

Earlier this year, Google launched ‘Personal Intelligence’ in AI mode, allowing it to leverage users’ Gmail and Google Photos to provide more individualized responses.