The Google Ads API version 23 has been released, the first in a series of updates to come for 2026 that will offer users more frequent releases. In addition to updates that will increase transparency, add automation to the platform, and give advertisers and developers more control and information over their campaigns, this version includes many enhancements to improve how users interact with Google Ads.
The most prominent feature of this release is that advertisers can now access richer Performance Max (PMax) reporting. Advertisers can now access how their PMax campaigns have been distributed by network types. This feature has long been an industry request. In the past, advertisers could only get insight into the performance of their ads in the “MIXED,” which was a general description that included all network types. With this update, advertisers will now have individual channel visibility across all surface types, such as Search, Display, YouTube, Gmail, Discover, Maps and Search Partners. Seeing where your ads are served will help you optimize them by channel.
In addition to the increased detail in reporting, Google ads API v23 also includes greater detail in invoicing. Developers can now obtain campaign-level costs, regulatory fees and adjustment fees for campaigns through the Invoice Service API, providing greater accuracy for financial tracking and client invoicing. This increased level of detail will likely be most helpful for advertisers who have large and complex billing models or have multiple brands that they manage.
Enhanced scheduling control is one of the most practical enhancements in this release. Campaigns can be created with both a start and an end time rather than simply a start date. This means that they can now be more aligned with hourly events, product launches, or promotions that run for a limited time.
Access to local data has also been improved; store location details can now be accessed through the Per Store View, aligning API location data more closely with existing data in the Stores report.
In addition, there are improvements to audience and predictive capabilities. Advertisers can now develop audiences based on lifecycle events using the new LIFE_EVENT_USER_INTEREST audience dimension in the Insights tools. Additionally, generative AI support for audiences will convert free-form text descriptions into structured targeting attributes, making it easier for advertisers to create audiences and conduct audience creation workflows.
Demand Gen planning has also become smarter by forecasting conversion rates by surface type (e.g., Gmail or Shorts). The update now includes additional competitive and conversion measures, organized by conversion date, to improve the context in which retail campaigns operate when evaluating Shopping performance metrics.
Coming to an end, Google Ads API v23 continues to focus on greater automation, transparency and flexibility in reporting. Many of these new functionality updates require modifications to the client libraries and/or code bases. Therefore, advertisers and developers need to plan for implementation in order to receive the maximum benefit from the newly added features.
