Google to Replace Gemini Gems With Skills on Nov 17, 2026

Google will replace Gems in the Gemini app with skills starting November 17, 2026, according to a notice in the Gems manager. Gems, introduced in 2024 as custom versions of Gemini, will be automatically migrated to skills and remain usable until the migration.

Skills were introduced alongside Gemini Spark. Both Gems and skills let users give Gemini custom instructions, but they work differently. Gems allow setting a default tool such as Create image or Canvas and adding files for context, and they can be shared with other users via links. Skills are invoked with a slash in the prompt box, and multiple skills can be used at once.

Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers can create skills now by switching to the Gemini Spark tab. The Learn more help article and the Create skills button are not yet functional, as reported by 9to5google.com.