i have created a shopify app which has 4 extensions[discount function, theme extensions, post orde checkout , purchase.checkout.cart-line-list.render-after]. it calls many backend apis which is already hosted . should i host the shopify app also to make it public distribution. i have read some of the answers in this community saying you can’t make extensions only app public it can only be custom . how is this possible. i have built a app which which i took inspiration from the shopify app store itself . how it hosted and made public ???
Topic summary
Topic: Whether a Shopify app with multiple extensions must be hosted to be publicly distributed.
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The app includes several extensions (discount function, theme extension, post‑purchase, and a checkout UI extension target: purchase.checkout.cart-line-list.render-after) and already calls hosted backend APIs. The question was if the app itself also needs hosting and whether an “extensions‑only” app can be public.
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Clarification: Public apps must provide a merchant-facing interface (UI) so merchants can control and configure features. An extensions‑only app isn’t suitable for public listing because merchants need an interface to manage it, per Shopify’s app requirements.
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Hosting model: Regardless of being custom or public, developers must host their app’s UI/backend outside Shopify. Shopify hosts the extensions themselves because they run in secure containers within sensitive areas (e.g., checkout, theme).
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Resources shared: Shopify App Requirements Checklist and an engineering article on remote rendering and UI extensibility.
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Outcome: User acknowledged the guidance and will review the docs. The issue appears resolved with clear action items; no open disputes remain.
Because an app needs an interface. Just like how a car also has a steering wheel. Assume the merchant is brand new to Shopify and e-commerce altogether. If they allowed extension only apps how can a merchant control it? Very confusing concern please check with the guidelines for your app submission.
https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/launch/app-requirements-checklist
Admin can enable or disable the extensions right ??? my app contains UI and user can interact with it . this type of app should be hosted right ??
Custom or public app doesn’t matter, you still need to host the code running the UI outside of Shopify. Extensions are hosted by Shopify because they run inside containers at highly sensitive parts of the software. Read more here:
https://shopify.engineering/remote-rendering-ui-extensibility
1 Like
Thank you .I will go through it