Main issue: whether Shopify is ending support for “custom apps” and requiring migration to public apps, including any deadlines.
Key clarification: A responder questioned the claim and explained that “custom app” refers to the app’s distribution type in the Partner Dashboard (Custom vs. Public), not that custom, store-specific apps are being deprecated.
Recommended approach:
shopify app init) so they’re properly structured and managed.Outcomes/decisions: No confirmed deadline or requirement to migrate from existing custom apps to public apps was provided. The advice is to follow the officially supported Partner portal + custom distribution workflow.
Status: The responder asked for confirmation; no final resolution marked yet, discussion appears open.
Notes: Attached screenshots illustrate Partner Dashboard options and distribution settings; they support understanding but aren’t strictly required to follow the guidance.
Hi,
We have been creating the custom app in our customer’s store directly, I have been told Shopify will no longer support the custom app, we will need to create public apps in our Shopify partner portal, then install the app into our customer’s Shopify store. We would like to confirm if that’s the case, if yes, when is the deadline for us to migrate from existing custom apps to Shopify Partner apps
Hi @junwei
“Shopify will no longer support the custom app” → where did you hear that?
Don’t think that’s the case - coz otherwise how would a merchant builds apps/extensions for its own use (not for other stores). I guess what you meant is you can still create Custom app but it needs to be done via the Partner portal?
Thanks @JoeMetmos , so that means we can still create custom apps in our customer’s store directly and connect the customer’s store via the API keys to our server to manage products for example? but for best practice, we should look into creating apps in our partner portal instead of create custom apps from our customer’s store?
Hi @junwei
Actually what you meant by “custom app” is the distribution:
Regardless of how you distribute, it’s best to initialize an app with shopify app init so your app is set up properly and managed by Shopify CLI. Once the app is deployed, choose custom distribution in the partner dashboard, then this app is exclusively built for your store and cannot be installed in other stores.
If you follow this officially supported approach, you shouldn’t need to worry about if Shopify will deprecate your custom app.
If you feel this answers your initial question, please mark this as the solution.
Cheers~
@junwei Do you still have further questions about this topic or the answer provided is what you look for?
