Google Gemini Update

Gemini skills provide reusable, stackable Markdown-based instructions across the Gemini app and Google Workspace. Skills begin rolling out in Workspace on Oct 5, 2026, and in the Gemini app on Oct 13, 2026, as Gems transition toward removal.

• Skills are reusable custom instructions that can be used in Gemini app conversations and most Workspace apps.
• Users can stack multiple skills in a single prompt or conversation.
• Skills use the open, Markdown-native SKILL.md standard, allowing skills created on other platforms to be copied into Gemini and Workspace apps.
• Workspace users can use Skill Builder in Google Docs to create and share skills with their teams.

• Skills do not currently sync between the Gemini app and Workspace apps; users must create them separately on each platform.
• Existing Workspace Studio flows with the Ask a Gem step continue to work temporarily but will stop working when Gems are removed.

• Workspace skills roll out gradually starting Oct 5, 2026. Rapid Release completion is expected by Oct 12, and Scheduled Release completion is expected by mid-November.
• Gemini app skills roll out gradually starting Oct 13, 2026, with expected completion by mid-November.
• On Nov 17, 2026, Gems move to the Gemini app Settings panel but remain usable.
• No sooner than Mar 1, 2027, Gems will be removed for business and enterprise users, and remaining Gemini app Gems will be auto-migrated to draft skills.
• No sooner than Jun 1, 2027, Gems will be removed for education users, including from Google Classroom and supported Gemini LTI third-party learning management systems.
• Admins should notify users about the transition and consult the Gems migration guidance. Education administrators should consider Gemini Notebook and upcoming Guided Learning as alternatives.
• Gemini app skills are available to Google Workspace customers and personal Google account users. Workspace skills are available to Business Starter, Standard, and Plus; Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus; Google AI Pro for Education; and AI Expanded Access users.
• Workspace skills are restricted to users over age 18, while Gemini app skills are available to users of all ages.

Product Information

Vendor: Google

Product: Gemini

Product type: Other

Platform: Web

Vendor information published: Sep 30, 2026

Release date: Oct 5, 2026

Original release notes: View on vendor site

Published on updatealert.io: Oct 4, 2026

Description: AI assistant for writing, reasoning, and productivity tasks.