Google discontinues Gemini Gems, replacing them with Skills format starting November 2026
Google is discontinuing the Gems feature in Gemini and, starting November 17, 2026, will automatically replace it with the Skills format, invoked by the "/" command. Users' work will be preserved; only the interface is changing.
Google is discontinuing the Gemini Gems feature, which since 2024 has allowed users to create custom AI assistants for specific tasks — for example, a running coach, career advisor, or text editor. According to Google, all existing Gems will be automatically migrated to a new format called Skills, without users having to configure anything. Until November 17, 2026, when the migration takes place, Gems remain fully functional. Google displays information about the change directly in the Gemini app in the form of a notification.
The work that users put into their Gems will, according to the company, be preserved — only the format and the method of access are changing. The new Skills will be invoked by typing the "/" character within a task thread, which will replace the current standalone interface for selecting Gems.
The source states that the step comes at a time when more complex AI agents such as Muse and Instinct from Meta are gaining ground, and points out that control via the "/" command is less user-friendly than simply typing text into the chatbot — it is an interface that is more popular among developers than among ordinary users. The discontinuation of Gems was, according to the source, first reported by 9to5Google.
Why it matters
Users with custom Gems won't have to manually transfer anything, but will have to get used to a different control method (the "/" command instead of the current navigation), which according to the source is less intuitive for ordinary users than for technical ones. The step also shows how quickly Google changes and merges its AI features, which can complicate planning for long-term use of specific product names and interfaces.
Relevant practical impact
What this means
For individuals
Users who use custom Gems in Gemini (e.g. a running coach, nutrition advisor, or vacation planner) will not lose their work, but will have to switch to the new control method using the "/" command instead of the current interface.
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Event sources
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