Google Replaces Gemini Gems With Modular AI Skills

Google is replacing its customizable AI assistants, Gemini Gems, with a modular system called Skills. This new feature allows users to create stackable, reusable custom instructions that can be combined in a single chat to handle complex workflows, such as pairing a newsletter-writing skill with a brand-guideline skill.

Skills utilize an open SKILL.md Markdown format to ensure portability across compatible platforms. Users can trigger these instructions by typing the skill name or using an '@' symbol, though the AI is designed to automatically recognize when a skill is relevant to a prompt. The transition is part of Gemini Spark, a proactive AI agent intended to manage background tasks.

Rollout begins with Google Workspace on October 5 and the Gemini app on October 13 for personal and business accounts. While Gems remain available for now, they will move to Gemini Settings on November 17, 2026. To minimize disruption, Google is implementing a tiered phase-out: business and enterprise accounts will retain Gems until March 1, 2027, and education accounts until June 1, 2027. After these dates, any remaining Gems will be converted into draft Skills.