In 2024, Google introduced a feature called Gems as part of its Gemini AI platform. This tool allows users to create personalized AI assistants that can be tailored to specific tasks or preferences. These assistants, known as Gems, offer users the ability to define unique instructions, select a default tool such as image creation or the Canvas editor, and even add files or references to provide more context to Gemini. They can also be shared with others via a link, making them useful for collaborative tasks or specific projects. However, Google is now preparing to rename Gems to Skills, as reported by 9to5Google on September 27, 2026. This change, set to take effect on November 17, 2026, is partly inspired by a similar feature introduced by Anthropic in October 2025 with its Claude AI. The core idea remains the same: to provide personalized instructions that can be reused. However, the new Skills are described as more accessible but less customizable compared to the previous Gems. The transition from Gems to Skills involves a shift in how users interact with the feature. While Gems required users to access a dedicated section in the Gemini sidebar, Skills are now directly accessible from the input bar. Users can trigger a Skill by typing "/ " followed by the name of the desired function. This change is expected to make the feature more convenient for everyday use, although it may limit the level of customization available to users. For users, the most immediate impact of this change is related to cost. Currently, Gems are accessible to all Gemini users, including those with free accounts. In contrast, Skills are created in the Gemini Spark tab, which is currently reserved for users of Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscription tiers. Google has not yet confirmed whether free accounts will be able to use Skills after the migration or whether features like default tools, file attachments, and sharing links from Gems will remain available.