Google Gemini Refactors Gems into Skills System

The Google Gemini application is switching to a more functional skills system instead of customized Gems. Here is the new update dated November 17, 2026.

The Google Gemini app radically changes the Gems feature that allows users to create personalized experiences. The company officially announced that it will replace the Gems structure with a new system called skills, which is more functional.

With this update, existing Gems structures will be automatically moved to the new system. Users will be able to continue using existing Gems builds until November 17, 2026.

Differences Between Gems and Skills

Gems were defined by Google as special versions of Gemini, allowing users to provide customized instructions. Although the new skills system serves a similar purpose, it provides significant advantages in terms of ease of use.

Gems builds offered advanced features such as setting a default tool or adding specific files for context. Additionally, these structures could be shared with other users via links.

The Skills system stands out by offering a more practical access method. Users can directly invoke these capabilities by placing a forward slash in the chat box.

This new method promises a much faster experience than going to the Gems menu on the side panel and scrolling down. Additionally, allowing multiple capabilities to be used at the same time makes the workflow more efficient.

Usage and Subscription Details

Google introduced this new system with Gemini Spark. The Skills creation process is specifically designed for Google AI Pro or AI Ultra subscribers.

Subscribers can create their own abilities by switching to the Gemini Spark tab. A forward slash typed into the chat box enables these capabilities to be activated within the main conversation experience.

For now, Google's announcement seems to have been made a little early. Help articles and skill creation buttons are not yet fully functional.

Google aims to ensure that all users adapt to this new system with the transition process that will start on November 17, 2026. The automatic migration process will work as a mechanism designed to ensure that users do not lose their existing customizations.

How do you think this new system will affect your workflow?