Gemini app replaces gems with skills in November

In 2024, Google introduced Gems as “customized versions of Gemini.” The Gemini app will soon replace Gems with “skills”.

Accessing the Gem Manager today will reveal a new notice at the top: “Gems will become skills starting November 17, 2026.”

Starting November 17, 2026, we will automatically start migrating your gems to skills. You will be able to use your gems until they migrate.

Google introduced skills with Gemini Spark, and they serve the same purpose as Gems at a high level. Both allow you to give personalized instructions to Gemini.

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Gems let you go further by setting a default tool, like Create Image or Canvas, and adding specific files for context. They can also be shared with other users via links.

That said, skills are more easily invoked with one / in the dialog, while multiple can be used at the same time. This broader access is preferable to having to first go to Gems in the side panel and scroll down to My Gems.

Google’s announcement may have been released a little early because the “Learn More” help article and the “Build Skills” button aren’t working yet.

If you are a Google AI Pro or AI Ultra subscriber, you can develop skills by switching to the Gemini Spark tab. Typing a slash in the chat box will allow you to use your skills in the main conversational experience.