Shopify App Store Guidelines: Updates 2025

Shopify's 2025 App Store guidelines introduce critical updates for app developers. These changes focus on improving app design, ensuring compliance with privacy laws, and updating program standards. Here's what you need to know:

• Design Updates: Removal of the FullscreenBar, mandatory use of App Bridge Save Bar API, and stricter rules for subscription app interfaces.

• Compliance Changes: Stricter GDPR requirements and mandatory compliance webhooks for better data security.

• Program Standards: New certification benchmarks under the Built for Shopify program, including app ratings and performance tracking.

• Key Deadlines:

  • Subscription app updates: March 2025

  • GDPR compliance: August 9, 2025

  • Merchant agreements: January 1, 2025

Developers must act fast to update their apps and meet these requirements to avoid penalties or app removal. For tailored support, Shopify-certified agencies like Codersy can help streamline the transition.

What's New for Developers in 2025

Changes to Shopify App Design Rules

The 2025 Shopify guidelines bring updated standards for app design, focusing on improving usability and functionality.

Removal of FullscreenBar in Max Modals

Shopify has removed the FullscreenBar component from Max Modals. This simplifies navigation and reduces interface clutter. Developers will need to adopt new navigation patterns that align with Shopify’s updated design system ^[1].

Mandatory Use of App Bridge Save Bar API

The use of the App Bridge Save Bar API is now required for handling save functions in apps. This ensures a consistent experience across Shopify interfaces, making save operations more intuitive for merchants and reducing misunderstandings ^[2].

Updates for Subscription Apps

Subscription apps must now adhere to stricter design rules for billing interfaces and recurring payment notifications. These changes aim to give merchants clearer details about subscription terms and payment schedules ^[3].

Key changes for developers include:

• Updating navigation systems to match new standards

• Integrating the App Bridge Save Bar API for save functionality

• Redesigning subscription billing and payment interfaces

• Aligning with updated UI component requirements

These design updates prioritize usability but also introduce important privacy and compliance considerations for developers.

Privacy and Compliance Updates for Shopify Apps

Updated GDPR Compliance Rules

Starting August 9, 2025, Shopify's new guidelines will require app developers to meet stricter GDPR standards ^[3]. These include measures like minimizing data collection, encrypting and masking sensitive information, and maintaining detailed records of data processing activities. Apps must also allow users to access, edit, delete, or export their data and revoke consent when needed.

Compliance Webhook Requirements

Shopify apps will now need to implement compliance webhooks under the 2025 guidelines. Developers must use HTTPS to secure webhook endpoints, handle notification queues effectively, and automate responses to any compliance changes. Apps are expected to process notifications promptly, keep accurate audit logs, and adapt to updates in real-time.

For agencies like Codersy that support app developers, these updates offer a chance to assist with compliance efforts while ensuring apps continue to perform well and provide a seamless user experience ^[3].

These changes aim to boost trust and reliability for Shopify merchants and their customers, aligning with industry trends toward stronger data privacy and security measures ^[3].

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Updates to the Built for Shopify Program

Revised General Requirements

The 2025 Built for Shopify program introduces stricter rules for app certification ^[2]. These updated standards focus on measurable goals like performance and merchant satisfaction, including:

• Minimum benchmarks for active installations and merchant reviews

• A required minimum app rating score

To maintain certification, developers need to consistently deliver high performance and positive merchant experiences ^[2]. The program highlights app stability and reliability through detailed performance tracking and regular quality checks. These benchmarks align with Shopify's existing focus on compliance and user-friendly design.

Changes to Category-Specific Rules

In addition to general guidelines, Shopify has updated requirements for specific app categories to better serve merchant needs ^[1]. Here’s a breakdown of the category-specific changes:

App Category	New Requirements	Implementation Deadline
Subscription Apps	Display clear subscription terms Integrate with Shopify Billing API Improve payment flow documentation	March 2025
Integration Apps	Meet updated webhook standards Enhance error handling Improve data synchronization	June 2025
Marketing Apps	Follow stricter data usage rules Add more detailed reporting features Strengthen analytics integration	April 2025

Developers are expected to adopt transparent billing practices and fully align with Shopify's payment policies ^[1]. The program now offers extra perks for compliant developers, such as better visibility in the Shopify App Store and access to exclusive development tools ^[2].

Certified Shopify development agencies are available to help developers meet these standards while optimizing app performance. These updates aim to create a secure, high-quality app ecosystem that benefits both merchants and developers.

Important Notes for Shopify Developers

Updates to Partner Program and API License

Starting August 9, 2025, Shopify is rolling out updates to its Partner Program, introducing new merchant agreement requirements that emphasize fair competition and engagement ^[3]. Additionally, the Experts Marketplace and Directory have been discontinued to simplify partnerships.

Here’s a quick look at the key updates:

Requirement	Guidelines	Deadline
Merchant Agreements	Allow third-party engagement	January 1, 2025
Competition Rules	Support market competition	January 1, 2025
Blockchain Apps	Standardized submission process	August 9, 2025
Partner Directory	Revised terms	August 9, 2025

These updates, along with changes to the Built for Shopify program, aim to foster a more balanced and forward-thinking environment for developers.

Codersy's Role in Supporting Developers

Developers looking to adapt to these changes can turn to Codersy for expert assistance. Codersy offers support in areas such as:

• Ensuring compliance with new merchant agreements

• Guiding blockchain app submissions and meeting platform standards

• Seamless integration with Shopify systems

Codersy is particularly skilled in blockchain app development and compliance, helping developers align their apps with Shopify’s 2025 guidelines. Their expertise ensures apps meet platform requirements while delivering strong performance and a smooth user experience ^[3].

Summary and Next Steps for Developers

Key Changes Recap

The 2025 Shopify App Store guidelines bring updates to design, compliance, and program standards. These changes, rolling out between August 2025 and January 2025, focus on improving user experience, strengthening data protection, and refining program requirements ^[1][2].

Steps Developers Should Take

To stay compliant and ensure smooth app functionality, developers need to act promptly. Here's what to prioritize:

• Design and Technical Adjustments: Update app designs to meet new UI standards, remove FullscreenBar from max modals, integrate the App Bridge Save Bar API, and thoroughly test all updates for performance ^[1].

• Compliance and Security: Enhance GDPR measures, implement compliance webhooks, update privacy policies, and test security protocols ^[2].

• Program Standards: Adapt to the revised Built for Shopify program requirements, address category-specific rules, and update merchant agreements ^[2].

"Developers should regularly check the Shopify Developer Changelog for updates and subscribe to relevant newsletters or forums to stay informed about changes to the guidelines and other important announcements." ^[3]

For those needing expert guidance, Codersy provides specialized support in areas like GDPR compliance, design updates, and blockchain app development ^[3]. Their services can help developers navigate these changes efficiently while maintaining high app performance.

FAQs

Which is a requirement of the Shopify Plus certified app program?

To qualify as a Shopify Plus Certified App Partner, developers must meet two key requirements:

1. System Status Dashboard: Apps must provide merchants with a real-time status page that includes:

   • Updates on normal operation

   • Alerts for technical issues

   • Notifications for system downtime

2. Support Infrastructure: Apps must ensure:

   • A dedicated on-call team is available for quick responses

   • A clearly documented escalation plan for addressing system disruptions

   • Defined procedures for managing technical emergencies

"Shopify Plus Certified App Partners must provide merchants with a dashboard or a status page that shows if your system is running as expected, experiencing issues, or down. An on-call team and escalation plan to address system disruptions." ^[2]

Developers are encouraged to integrate these features early in the development process. Doing so not only simplifies the certification journey but also ensures merchants experience dependable app performance. Shopify's 2025 guidelines emphasize reliability, performance, and building trust with users ^[3].