Agent Plugins defines a shared format for agent extensions
A common package description
On 6 August 2026, AWS announced support for Agent Plugins 1.0.0. This open format describes packaging for agent skills and MCP servers; hooks and custom agents were still roadmap items.
Separating an extension from its interface
A skill supplies reusable instructions and resources. An MCP server exposes tools or data. Combining them in an identifiable package could reduce manual copying between development assistants.
For a team, the useful benefit would be version control over installed capabilities: knowing precisely which package is present, where it came from and what access it requests. A straightforward trial would run a small extension in two compatible clients, then compare the tools actually available and any loading errors.
A format does not establish trust
A portable package may still contain risky instructions or invoke an overprivileged service. Installation, distribution and user interface also remain client decisions. Permissions and actual behaviour therefore need review; a manifest alone cannot demonstrate universal compatibility.
Editorial retrospective: event dates are stated in the text.