Shopify’s New App Store Submission Rules: What’s Changed?

Shopify has tightened its App Store submission requirements, effective November 10, 2026. Developers now face adoption thresholds before adding apps, longer waits after repeated rejections, and identity verification for new submissions. Apps with no installs also face removal. For merchants choosing software to run their stores, the intent is straightforward: an App Store with apps that merchants actually use.

What are the new Shopify app store rules?

Shopify’s official announcement introduces four changes:

• Adoption before expansion: Each existing app must have at least 10 installs on full-priced Shopify stores before the developer can list another app.
• Longer resubmission cooldowns: Repeated rejections bring escalating waiting periods. Developers should resolve review feedback before trying again.
• Identity verification: Developers submitting new apps must complete identity verification through their partner account.
• Removal of unused apps: Shopify will automatically remove apps with zero installs after six months.

The 10-install threshold refers to stores paying for Shopify, not merchants paying for the app. Development stores and free-trial stores don’t count. Developers without published apps don’t need to meet this threshold for their first submission.

What should you check before submitting?

These rules sit alongside Shopify’s existing review requirements. Before submitting:

• Test the complete experience: Check installation, authentication and core workflows. Test billing if your app charges merchants. Shopify reviews production-ready apps.
• Prepare the listing: Explain the merchant problem your app solves. Check that your listing, privacy policy and test credentials are complete and accurate.
• Check data requirements: Configure mandatory compliance webhooks and request protected customer data access where needed.
• Clear submission blockers: Pass automated checks, confirm eligibility and check any cooldown end date. Shopify permits only one new app in review per organization at a time.

Treat reviewer feedback as a reason to retest the entire app. A fix that introduces another error can delay your launch again.

What does a useful published listing look like?

CedCommerce’s UniCon: Multichannel Listing offers a practical reference. Its listing explains which marketplaces sellers can connect, describes inventory and order syncing, and includes screenshots of the dashboard and attribute mapping. Merchants can also inspect reviews before installing.

The lesson for app teams: help merchants understand what they can do with your app before asking them to install it. For sellers comparing tools, look for specific workflows and screenshots that match your daily operations.

FAQs

Can I resubmit a rejected Shopify app immediately?

If Shopify places your app in a cooldown, you must wait until the date shown in its status banner. Use that time to address feedback and test your fixes. Repeat cooldowns get longer.

Does Shopify delete apps with no installs?

It moves apps with no active installs back to Draft after six months or more since their most recent publication. Developers must wait 90 days before resubmitting, and the app goes through review again.