Gemini App Ditches Gems for Skills in November Update

Google's Gemini app will undergo a change in November 2026. Gems, which are custom versions of Gemini, will be replaced by skills.

The transition is scheduled to begin on November 17, 2026, when gems will start migrating automatically to skills. Users can continue using their gems until they migrate.

Gems and skills serve the same purpose at a high level, allowing users to give Gemini custom instructions. However, skills offer more convenient access with a / in the prompt box and can be used simultaneously.