Google is replacing Gems with skills in the Gemini app and Workspace. Skills are reusable prompts that guide Gemini. They work inline in chat threads and can be stacked. Skills use the open SKILL.md standard. Skills do not sync between the Gemini app and Workspace. Skills roll out to Workspace on October 5 and to the Gemini app on October 13. Gems move to Settings on November 17. Gems will stop working for business and enterprise on March 1, 2027. Gems will stop working for education on June 1, 2027. Admins can control skills availability in Workspace Studio.
What changed
Gems were the tool for tailoring instructions for specific tasks in the Gemini app and Workspace.
What it unlocks
Layering multiple custom instructions in one prompt and using the same skill across different conversations.
- October 5, 2026 rollout start for Workspace
- October 13, 2026 rollout start for Gemini app
- March 1, 2027 Gems deprecation for business/enterprise
- June 1, 2027 Gems deprecation for education
What you need to act on it
- a Google Workspace or personal Google account
- age 18+ for Workspace skills
Sources