Google announced on Thursday that users can now link and interact with specific applications directly inside AI Mode, the company’s conversational search tool. The initial batch of supported apps includes Instacart, Canva, and YouTube.
This update moves the service beyond answering questions to completing tasks within the applications people use daily. Google expects this to increase reliance on AI Mode for planning and shopping. The rollout also aims to compete with rivals like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic‘s Claude, both of which support app integrations.
How it works
Google says that if you are planning a barbecue and using AI Mode to create a grocery list, you can connect your Instacart account. This adds the ingredients directly to your shopping cart and allows you to check out on the Instacart app or website.
For design work, you can ask Canva to show a selection of templates if you need ideas for a flyer. In another example, you could use AI Mode to curate a playlist for your next party and instantly save it to YouTube Music.
The update is rolling out to users in the U.S. Google says it is working with a range of partners and plans to launch support for more apps soon.
Todays announcement builds on a capability Google launched earlier this year at Google I/O. That feature lets users 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 been continuously building out AI Mode with more capabilities. Most recently, the tech giant announced that AI Mode can now help check whether an item you need is in stock at a nearby store. Google also recently added the ability for users to explore the web side-by-side with AI Mode to do things like compare details and ask follow-up questions while preserving the context of their search.
Earlier this year, Google launched “Personal Intelligence” on AI Mode, enabling it to tap into users’ Gmail and Google Photos to provide more individualized responses.
What it means
For people making things or managing daily tasks, the change is practical rather than theoretical. You no longer need to copy and paste information between a chat window and a separate application. If you are shopping, the list appears in the cart. If you are designing, the templates appear in the editor. The work happens inside the tool you already use, reducing the friction of switching contexts.
