Android opens apps to AI agents: How it works

At the Google I/O 2026 developer conference, Google presented Android's shift from an operating system to what it calls an intelligence system. A central element is AppFunctions, also known as Android MCP.

In short, AppFunctions lets an app tell the system and AI agents what it can do, and make its tools, services and data available. Technically, the app acts as an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server on the phone itself.

What can it be used for?

Android can already let agents like Gemini perform tasks by navigating around an app on the user's behalf. According to Google, AppFunctions gives developers more control over how the integration works.

In February 2026, the outlet 9to5Google described two approaches: AppFunctions, where the developer has to build an implementation, and a UI automation platform, where AI agents can handle general tasks without any code from the developer. On UI automation, Google says, according to InfoQ, that the platform does the heavy lifting so developers can gain agentic reach with no code.

According to 9to5Google, the Gemini app was using AppFunctions at that time for Calendar, Notes and Tasks. The examples included creating reminders by voice, building playlists from natural language, pulling ingredients from emails into a shopping list and scheduling calendar appointments.

Tools for developers

AppFunctions consists of a new platform API and a Jetpack library, which Google in its I/O post calls an experimental preview. Google has also released a skill that can generate AppFunctions in an app's codebase, and a test agent so developers can try out and debug in a simulated agent environment.

Developers who want to use AppFunctions in production can apply for a spot in an early access program. Google has also released ADK for Android, which is meant for building multi-agent workflows across models on the device and in the cloud.

Privacy and rollout

According to InfoQ, Google emphasizes privacy and user control. Users can follow the actions and override them manually, and sensitive actions such as purchases require confirmation.

In February 2026, according to 9to5Google, AppFunctions was available on Android 16 and later, including on the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 with One UI 8.5 and later. In March 2026, InfoQ described the features as an early beta on the Galaxy S26 series and wrote that a broader rollout was planned with Android 17. No specific date has been given for when all users will get access.