Google to Discontinue Gemini's Gems Feature, Convert to Skills
Google will phase out the 'Gems' feature within its Gemini AI service starting November 17, 2026. User-created custom AI assistants will be automatically migrated to a new 'skills' format.
Google has announced the discontinuation of the 'Gems' feature in its Gemini AI service, effective November 17, 2026. The Gems functionality allowed users to build custom AI assistants tailored for specific tasks. Content created by users will not be deleted but will be automatically converted into a new format called 'skills,' which can be invoked for various AI operations.
An in-app notification within Gemini has detailed this upcoming change. Google will manage the migration of existing Gems to the new format, meaning users will not need to perform the conversion manually. Until the specified date, the Gems feature will remain operational.
Launched in 2024, Gems was designed to help users train AI for particular jobs without repetitive prompting. Initially, Google provided pre-set Gems such as a study tutor, brainstorming assistant, and coding partner. Users could also create their own customized assistants for personal use, like a running coach or a nutrition advisor.
The deprecation of Gems highlights a recurring pattern in Google's product strategy, where distinct features sometimes receive unique branding and prominent placement before being consolidated. The new 'skills' interface requires users to type a slash ('/') in the conversation thread to activate a desired skill, an interaction model more suited to developers and technical users than the general public.