Google to Replace Custom AI Tools Called Gems with skills in Gemini

Starting on 17 November 2026, Google will gradually replace the Gems feature in the Gemini app with skills. The transition will be automatic. Users will be able to continue using the Gems they have created until they are migrated. A notice about the change is already appearing at the top of the Gems management page.

Google launched the Gems feature in 2024 to let users create customized versions of Gemini. The user wrote their own instructions, and the AI responded to selected tasks according to those instructions. Skills serve the same purpose, but these tools are more convenient to use from within a chat.

In Gems, users can select image generation or one of the standard tools, such as Canvas, in advance. Users can upload files to provide additional information and share the tools they create with others through a link. To invoke a skill, the user types / in the prompt field. Several such tools can also be used together in the same chat.

Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra subscribers can currently create new skills in the Gemini Spark section. They can also launch them from the main conversation screen by typing / in the chat field. However, the additional information link in the notice and the Create skills button do not yet work. It is therefore believed that the announcement appeared slightly earlier than planned.