Google's AI Mode expands to interact with select apps

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Google announced on Thursday that it now allows users to link and interact with some of their go-to apps right 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 into completing tasks across 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. Plus, the rollout will allow Google to better compete with rivals like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude , both of which support app integrations. In one example, Google says that if you’re planning a barbecue and using AI Mode to create a grocery list, you can connect your Instacart account to add the ingredients directly to your shopping cart and quickly check out on the Instacart app or website.

Or, if you’re working on a project and need design ideas, like for a flyer, you can ask Canva to show you a selection of templates. In another example, Google says 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’s working with a range of partners and plans to launch support for more apps soon. Today’s announcement builds on a capability Google launched earlier this year at Google I/O that 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. Why this matters: Google's expanded AI Mode capabilities have significant implications for the broader industry. By integrating with popular apps like Instacart, Canva, and YouTube, Google is positioning AI Mode as a central hub for users to complete tasks and access services.

This move not only enhances the user experience but also puts pressure on competitors to develop similar integrations. For developers and businesses, this means that they will need to adapt their apps to work seamlessly with AI Mode, potentially opening up new opportunities for growth and engagement. For consumers, this integration offers a more streamlined and efficient way to interact with their favorite apps and services.