Google has announced more tools for shopping online directly through the company’s products at Google I/O 2026.
The tech giant described these three new changes as the “building blocks” of what Google calls “agentic commerce” using its Gemini AI platform, and these features include a Universal Commerce Protocol, AP2, and a Universal Cart.
Starting with the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), it is essentially a new open-source standard that allows major e-commerce partners to seamlessly integrate every part of the shopping journey under one roof. Google described this new change as being similar to what HTTP did for the internet. Google has also announced that major retailers have already partnered with Google for integration into the new UCP, and it includes Shopify, Best Buy, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Wayfair, Target, Walmart, Etsy, GAP Inc., Chewy, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Sephora, American Express, and more.
Google has also said that UCP is currently being integrated with other industries, such as hotels, YouTube, and local food delivery services. Google has confirmed that UCP will be coming to Canada and other Commonwealth countries, such as Australia and the U.K.
Let’s move on to the second building block, known as the Agent Payments Protocol. Known as AP2, this protocol allows AI agents to make payments on your behalf, but under your control, using strict guidelines set by the user. Essentially, in a prompt, you can tell the AI agent which specific brands and products you want, along with budgets and other restrictions (colour, scent, etc.). If the criteria are met, Google automatically makes the purchase. The process is described as creating a verifiable link between the user, payment processors, and the vendor. Using privacy technology to keep your info secure also gives you a digital paper trail in case you need to return or exchange anything.
Google wasn’t specific about which regions AP2 will come to, but it will first launch in Gemini Spark in the coming months. But with Google only testing Spark in the U.S. for now, it seems like Canadians will need to wait for AP2 availability.
The final building block, known as the Universal Cart, is the most intriguing in my opinion. This one is pretty easy to explain: it is a universal shopping cart that works across Google products (Gmail, Gemini, Google Search, YouTube, etc.). However, the moment you add something to your cart, it works in the background to apply deals, track price drops, show you the price history, and notify you when it’s back in stock. The Universal Cart can also provide recommendations, offer usable benefits on your cards (cards must be in Google Wallet), and let you check out on Google or through the vendor’s website. Sadly, the Universal Cart appears to be U.S.-only for now, and launches this summer for Google Search and Gemini, with YouTube and Gmail to come soon.
You can check out all of Google’s big I/O announcements on MobileSyrup.
