Gemini app replacing Gems with skills in November

Google's Gemini app is set to replace its Gems feature with a new system called "skills" starting November 17, 2026, according to a notice displayed on the current Gems manager page. This migration will occur automatically, allowing users to continue using their existing Gems until they are transitioned to the new skills system.

Skills, introduced alongside Gemini Spark, function similarly to Gems by enabling users to provide the AI with custom instructions. However, skills offer additional benefits such as easier invocation using a slash in the prompt box and the ability to use multiple skills simultaneously, as opposed to the more cumbersome process of accessing individual Gems from the side panel.

Although skills can be shared with others through links, the "Learn more" help article and "Create skills" button currently remain inaccessible, potentially affecting the user experience. Subscribers to Google AI Pro or AI Ultra plans can create skills by navigating to the Gemini Spark tab and utilizing a slash in the Chat box to access skills within the main conversational experience.