Shopify API Versioning: Key Compatibility Rules

Shopify’s API versioning ensures developers can reliably build and maintain apps while Shopify evolves. Here’s what you need to know:

• Quarterly Releases: New API versions are released every 3 months (e.g., "2023-01").
• 12-Month Support: Each version is supported for at least 12 months, with a 9-month overlap.
• Automatic Fallback: Unsupported versions redirect to the oldest supported version.
• Version Types: Includes Stable, Release Candidates (previews), and Unstable (experimental).

Why it matters: This predictable system minimizes disruptions, ensures app stability, and gives developers ample time to update their apps.

Key Tips:

• Use the X-Shopify-API-Version header to lock your app to a specific version.
• Monitor Shopify’s changelog and API Health Reports to stay compliant.
• Test updates in sandbox environments before rolling them out.

Stay ahead by aligning your updates with Shopify’s schedule and leveraging tools like GraphiQL Explorer and API Health Reports.

Shopify API version upgrades made simple

Shopify API Version System

Shopify uses a well-organized version system to ensure a smooth development experience while keeping pace with platform updates. This approach provides developers with a stable environment for their applications and a clear path for managing changes.

Update Schedule and Support

Shopify updates its API versions every quarter, releasing them at 5pm UTC on the first day of each quarter. Versions are named using a date-based format, like "2023-01" or "2023-04", making them easy to identify and track.

Each version is supported for 12 months, with a 9-month overlap period to ensure developers have enough time to update their apps and maintain compatibility.

Version Categories

Shopify’s API versions are divided into three main categories:

• Stable Versions
  These are production-ready releases that remain consistent and supported throughout their lifecycle.
• Release Candidates
  These preview upcoming stable versions, allowing developers to test and prepare for changes. They are not intended for live, production environments.
• Unstable Versions
  These versions include experimental features that may change. As Shopify explains: "API versioning allows Shopify to continuously evolve the platform while offering third-party developers a predictable path for feature upgrades and deprecations" .

API Compatibility Rules

Shopify’s API compatibility rules outline how APIs evolve and maintain stability, ensuring developers can adapt to changes smoothly.

Version Lifecycle Rules

Shopify uses a structured lifecycle for its API versions. Each stable version remains supported for 12 months, with at least a 9-month overlap between versions. Updates are released every 3 months, guaranteeing access to at least two stable versions at any given time.

"API versioning allows Shopify to continuously evolve the platform while offering third-party developers a predictable path for feature upgrades and deprecations."

Handling Outdated Versions

Shopify has processes in place to manage outdated versions while encouraging timely updates.

Automatic Adjustments:

• Requests using unsupported versions are redirected to the oldest supported stable version.
• The X-Shopify-API-Version header in responses shows which version was used for processing.
• Webhook payload differences across versions are tracked for developers.

Compliance Guidelines:

To stay compliant, developers are expected to:

• Use and monitor the X-Shopify-API-Version header to specify API versions.
• Update their applications every 3 months to align with the latest stable version.
• Subscribe to the developer changelog for timely updates.
• Keep contact details up-to-date in the Partner Dashboard.

Next, explore practical strategies for managing API version updates efficiently.

API Version Management Tips

Managing API versions effectively is crucial for seamless updates and maintaining compatibility with Shopify’s platform.

Updating API Versions

To stay on track, align your API updates with Shopify’s quarterly release schedule.

Best Practices for Version Control:

When making requests, use the X-Shopify-API-Version header to lock your code to a specific API version. This ensures your app interacts with the intended feature set without surprises.

"API versioning allows Shopify to continuously evolve the platform while offering third-party developers a predictable path for feature upgrades and deprecations." – Shopify

Version Testing Methods

After implementing updates, thorough testing is key to identifying and resolving potential issues. Use the right tools to validate changes and avoid conflicts.

Key Testing Tools:

For example, in January 2025, developers adapted to Shopify CLI 3.73’s Rust template optimization by removing cargo-wasi dependencies .

Testing Steps:

• Use unstable versions to explore early features.
• Test updates in a sandbox environment.
• Check API response headers for proper validation.
• Roll out changes incrementally in production.

It’s a good idea to maintain two separate environments: one for the current stable version and another for testing upcoming releases. Also, ensure your Partner Dashboard contact details are up to date to receive important notifications and access essential development resources.

Fixing Version Problems

Resolving API conflicts promptly is crucial for keeping your app running smoothly. After setting up version management strategies, the next step is tackling conflicts before they disrupt your users. Here’s how to identify and fix them effectively.

Finding and Fixing Conflicts

Conflicts often arise from specific issues like deprecated fields or unsupported versions. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Example: In March 2024, Order Printer Pro encountered issues when version 2023-04 was deprecated. FOR Development Inc. identified the problem – deprecated discountApplications fields – through their API health report. They resolved it by switching to the new automaticDiscountApplications and manualDiscountApplications fields.

To catch conflicts early:

• Monitor response headers for deprecated API usage.
• Look out for X-Shopify-API-Deprecated-Reason headers.
• Review your API health report every quarter.
• Test with release candidates before adopting new stable versions.

Using Shopify’s Documentation

Once you’ve found a conflict, Shopify’s documentation is your go-to resource for fixes and migrations.

Steps for using documentation effectively:

• Go through migration guides before implementing updates.
• Check the changelog for deprecation notices.
• Identify replacement endpoints and fields.
• Test your updates in a development environment before rolling them out.

Example: When Shopify deprecated direct inventory modifications on variants in March 2018, developers had to adapt to the new multiple locations system. This required adding location_id for fulfillments and refunds. By following the migration guides and testing thoroughly, developers successfully transitioned to the new system.

Conclusion

Main Points

The platform’s quarterly release schedule offers developers a predictable path for upgrades. Each stable version is supported for 12 months, allowing teams enough time to make necessary updates.

Key versioning principles include:

• Version Declaration: Clearly define API versions in request URLs.
• Support Timeline: New versions are released every quarter, with a 9-month overlap between consecutive stable versions.
• Version Types: GraphQL Admin, Storefront, and Payments Apps each use specific URL formatting patterns.

These practices are backed by reliable tools and expert advice.

Help and Tools

To apply these principles effectively, take advantage of essential tools and resources. The Shopify Developer Changelog is your go-to source for tracking API updates and deprecation notices. Shopify also offers official libraries in Ruby, Node, and PHP to support GraphQL Admin API integrations.

For additional support, the E-commerce Dev Group specializes in helping businesses handle API version transitions. Their expertise in Shopify Plus solutions and custom development can keep your store running smoothly.

Key tools to consider:

• Developer Changelog: Stay updated on API changes.
• GraphQL Explorer: Identify and address deprecation warnings.

Related Blog Posts

• Shopify API Breaking Changes: Debugging Guide
• Handling Shopify API Deprecations: Key Strategies
• Shopify API Versioning: Key Documentation Standards
• Shopify API Versioning: Key Milestones Explained