Google is shutting down its Gemini feature known as "Gems," which allows users to create custom AI assistants for specific tasks, and replacing it with a new functionality called "skills."
Product LaunchesGoogleGeminiGemsskills
Google to replace Gemini Gems with "skills" feature starting November 2026
According to notices in the Gemini app and reports from TechCrunch and ITmedia, the transition will begin on November 17, 2026. Users can continue to use their existing Gems until that date, after which they will be automatically migrated to the "skills" format. While personal accounts will see the change in November 2026, the rollout for Google Workspace Business and Enterprise subscribers is scheduled for March 2027, and for educational institutions in June 2027.
While Gems were accessible via a sidebar list, skills will be invoked within a standard chat thread by entering a forward slash ("/") followed by the skill name. Google notes that the symbol may be changed to an "@" symbol in the future. The new skills function will also allow users to combine multiple skills within a single chat.
Currently, skills do not support features such as Google Drive file integration, "Gemini Notebook" reading, or tool integration with "Canvas" and "Deep Research." Additionally, features like sharing with other users and using Google Drive are not yet supported for skills but are planned for future updates. At present, skills are available to individual account holders aged 18 and older, with support for Workspace and educational accounts expected to expand soon.
Sources
- Google is killing off Gemini’s Gems in favor of ‘skills’ （TechCrunch AI, 2026-09-28）
1 more sourcesHide sources
- 「Geminiの「Gem」廃止へ、11月17日から「スキル」へ刷新 （ITmedia AI+, 2026-09-29）