how to update the installed app to latest version

[sadLily]

I'm totally new to Shopify. I received this message from shopify few days ago. 
----------

We’re sending you this email because one or more apps installed on your Shopify store are making calls to APIs that will be removed soon and will soon be unsupported. These apps must be updated by a developer before July 1, 2024 to continue working normally.

We encourage you to forward this email to the partner or developer who maintains your apps, and have them update your apps based on the information below. If you don’t currently have a developer maintaining your apps, you can hire a Shopify expert.

What your developer needs to know One or more of your custom apps have made deprecated API calls in the last 30 days. Support for these versions will be removed on July 1, 2024. Please update the apps listed below to API version 2023-10 or later to ensure they continue to function correctly.

Store: My_Store

App: My_App
Breaking changes:

metafields optional namespace html View change.

----------

However, I checked the installed app from the shopify admin -> apps and sales channels, and I found there is nothing can be edited or modify in the code, just some simple settings. For example, there is the app overview, some checkboxes in the storefront api integration section, and API access token in API credentials.

So how can I update my installed app to the latest version? Can anyone give me some advice so that I could maintain the installed app when I face the same situation again?

[Liam]

Hi SadLily,

Did a third-party developer create this private app for your store? It's possible that an app built by an external dev is interacting with your store via the API credentials you're seeing in the admin, and this private app is making calls to the soon to be deprecated API. The dev will need to update the code of their app to make calls to a more recent version, or remove calls being made to a older version. 

[sadLily]

Hi Liam 😊

I'm not quite sure which private app you're referring to. If you're talking about "My_app," I'm currently using a mobile app to allow users to purchase items.

In my app, I am using checkout-related functionalities. According to the latest changelogs and release notes, my app is supposed to be supported until April 1, 2025. However, the email notification says, "Support for these versions will be removed on July 1, 2024," which makes me confused about whether my current functionalities will still work properly.

I am planning to update to the new API version. The release notes mention that there will be a guide to help me upgrade to the new API, but I can't find this guide at all. I'm also unsure about the normal update process. Could you please provide some advice? Thank you.

Do I just need to run 'npm install shopify-buy' and overwrite the existing SDK with the new SDK? My current version is already from last year.

[magecomp]

Hello @sadLily 

1. Since the app settings lack editing options, updating it requires contacting the developer. Forward the email from Shopify to them, highlighting the urgency and the need to update the app to API version 2023-10 or later.

2. If the app is available on the Shopify App Store, an update might be available. Go to the Shopify admin and navigate to Apps > My Apps. Look for "My_App" and see if an update button is present. However, this is less likely for custom apps.

Maintaining the App in the Future:

1. If the developer is unresponsive or unable to update the app, explore alternative apps on the Shopify App Store that offer similar functionalities and are actively maintained.

2. If the app is crucial for your store and you lack coding knowledge, consider hiring a Shopify expert who can potentially update the app or suggest alternative solutions.

3. When installing future custom apps, inquire about the developer's update policy and support timeline. Ensure they actively maintain their apps and address API changes promptly.