Google Shutting Down Gemini’s Gems Feature, Migrating Custom AI Assistants to ‘Skills

Google announced in 2026 that it is shutting down Gems, a Gemini feature that allowed users to build custom AI assistants for specific tasks. Starting November 17, 2026, Gems will be automatically converted into “skills” that can be used across different AI tasks — no action required from users in the meantime.

Google is sharing details of the change directly in the Gemini app, where a message warns users of the upcoming transition. The Gems themselves will remain usable until the November 17 cutover date.

Launched in 2024, Gems were designed to let users configure their AI to handle specific tasks without having to repeat instructions each time. Google offered pre-made Gems including a learning coach, brainstorming assistant, career guide, coding partner, and editor. Users could also create their own custom Gems — such as a running coach, nutritionist, or vacation planner — and share them with others, a capability Google had hoped would boost the Gemini app’s popularity.

The shift comes as all-in-one AI agents, such as Meta’s Muse and Instinct, have gained traction. The wind-down of Gems was first reported by 9to5Google over the weekend before Google’s announcement.

Even after migration, the new skills format may not be straightforward for everyday users. According to Google, users will need to type a forward slash (“/”) in a task thread to select a skill — an interface approach more familiar to technical users than general consumers.

The Gems shutdown also highlights a recurring pattern in Google’s product strategy: assigning distinct brand names, icons, and prominent app placement to features that may later be merged or discontinued. The source notes this tendency predates the AI era, pointing to a period when Google simultaneously operated multiple messaging and communication apps.