Shopify app rejected for not using Polaris components

Shopify Apps

Topic summary

A developer’s sales channel app was rejected by Shopify for not using Polaris components, despite previous statements from Shopify staff indicating Polaris wasn’t mandatory.

Core Issue:

  • The rejection requires using Polaris design system, which conflicts with the developer’s existing internal design system
  • Using Polaris would break their consistent user experience across their separate application (a website builder)

Shopify’s Position:

  • Polaris is now required specifically for “onboarding and account connection” portions of apps that launch as iframes within Shopify admin
  • Requirements have evolved as Shopify has grown to ensure cohesive merchant experiences
  • A Shopify community moderator referenced documentation showing the onboarding workflow scope

Developer’s Confusion:

  • Unclear exactly where “onboarding and account connection” begins and ends
  • Questions whether components like “Connect your Shopify store” buttons or confirmation messages require Polaris
  • Their app only uses iframes for login, then routes users to their separate platform

Current Status:

  • Partner support has been unresponsive to clarification requests
  • The reviewer used a noreply email, blocking direct communication
  • Developer is stuck without clear guidance on implementation requirements
  • Another user questioned whether these Polaris requirements apply to marketing apps or only sales channel apps

Unresolved: The discussion remains open with no clear resolution on the exact scope of Polaris requirements.

Summarized with AI on November 16. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
9

Thank you for that additional information. While I am not part of the development team myself, I was able to review the Developer Docs and there is a section specifically on the onboarding process along with an example of it: Merchant onboarding overview.

The process shown in the embedded gif is what is considered the onboarding process.