Shopify API Versioning: Best Practices

Shopify‘s API versioning ensures apps stay stable while Shopify evolves. Here’s what you need to know:

• Quarterly Releases: New API versions launch every January, April, July, and October.
• 12-Month Support: Each version is supported for a full year, with a 9-month overlap for smooth transitions.
• Version Format: Versions use a date-based format like YYYY-MM (e.g., 2025-01).
• Stable vs. Preview Versions: Stable versions are for production, while preview versions let you test upcoming features.
• Automatic Updates: Apps using outdated versions are switched to the oldest supported version automatically.

Quick Tips:

1. Always specify the version in your API requests (e.g., /admin/api/2025-01/resource.json).
2. Monitor Shopify’s changelog for new features and deprecations.
3. Test updates in a controlled environment before rolling them out.
4. Use tools like Gadget for easier version upgrades.

Stay proactive by tracking version timelines, automating updates, and testing thoroughly. This approach ensures your Shopify apps remain secure, reliable, and up-to-date.

Shopify API version upgrades made simple

Core API Version Rules

Shopify’s API versioning system is designed to provide developers with a clear framework for managing their applications. Here’s how it works:

Stable vs. Preview Versions

The API offers two types of versions:

• Stable versions: These are meant for production applications and provide a reliable environment for live use.
• Preview versions: These give developers early access to upcoming features but aren’t suitable for production environments .

Version End-of-Life Rules

When an API version reaches its end-of-life, Shopify uses a "fall forward" approach. This means requests made to an unsupported version are automatically processed using the oldest supported stable version .

For public apps and sales channels, failing to upgrade to a supported version by the deadline could lead to removal from the Shopify App Store .

To avoid issues, developers should:

• Keep an eye on API health reports.
• Pay attention to deprecation warnings.
• Ensure dashboard contact details are up to date.
• Subscribe to the developer changelog for updates.

Version Number Format

Shopify uses a date-based format for version numbers, structured as YYYY-MM . This version number is included in API request URLs and is also returned in the X-Shopify-API-Version header of API responses . Adding the version number to requests ensures consistent behavior as new versions are introduced.

For example, a GraphQL Admin API request would look like this:
/admin/api/2025-01/graphql.json .

These rules work alongside the release schedule, giving developers a clear path for updates and migrations.

API Version Management Tips

Effectively managing Shopify API versions ensures your app stays stable and transitions smoothly. Here’s how you can handle it like a pro:

Setting Version Numbers

When making API requests, follow this format: /admin/api/YYYY-MM/resource.json. Two key points to remember:

• Always declare the version number and include version headers in your requests.
• Check the X-Shopify-API-Version response header to confirm the version in use.

For example, if you’re building a custom order management system, your configuration might look like this:

const shopifyAPI = new Shopify({
  apiVersion: '2025-01'
});

Once you’ve set the version numbers, move on to testing updates thoroughly.

Version Update Testing

After locking in your API version, test updates in a controlled setup. Here’s a workflow to guide you:

• Development Environment Setup: Create a testing environment that mirrors your production setup.
• Feature Compatibility Check: Use Shopify’s developer tools to spot:
  • Deprecated endpoints in your app.
  • New features that could improve functionality.
  • Breaking changes that need code adjustments.
• Testing Process: Break it down into phases:

Multi-Version Code Management

Once updates are tested, structure your code to handle multiple API versions effortlessly.

• Version-Specific Code Branches: Use conditional logic or separate branches for different versions:

if (apiVersion >= '2025-01') {
  // Use new API features
} else {
  // Use legacy implementation
}

• Feature Detection: Instead of relying on version checks, detect features dynamically to keep your code flexible:

if (typeof resource.new_feature !== 'undefined') {
  // Use new feature
} else {
  // Use alternative approach
}

Version Update Steps

Track Version Changes

To keep your Shopify integration running smoothly, it’s essential to stay on top of API updates. Here’s how:

• Subscribe to the developer changelog for updates on:
  • New version releases
  • Deprecated endpoints
  • Critical changes
  • Security patches
• Update your Partner Dashboard contacts to ensure you receive notifications promptly.

Once you’re tracking these changes, follow the steps below to update effectively.

Step-by-Step Updates

1. Review Release Notes

Start by reviewing the changelog for details on deprecated endpoints and major changes . Compare this information with your current API usage to identify what needs updating.

2. Test in a Preview Environment

Take advantage of Shopify’s developer previews in the Partner Dashboard to test updates before deploying . Here’s a breakdown of the testing process:

3. Implementation

Roll out updates gradually. Start with non-essential features and work your way to core functionality. Monitor each stage to catch and fix issues early.

Update Helper Tools

Simplify your update process with tools like Gadget. It offers:

• A single-click API version upgrade
• Automated updates for resources
• Built-in testing environments

"Forget painful Shopify API upgrades. Update to the latest version in the click of a button with Gadget’s quarterly migration support." – Gadget.dev

Shopify also provides tools to help you:

• Pinpoint deprecated endpoints in your app
• Discover new features to enhance your integration
• Address any breaking changes quickly

Long-Term Version Management

Ensuring long-term API compatibility goes beyond immediate updates – it requires careful planning and proactive strategies.

Version Timeline Tracking

Managing API versions effectively starts with a well-maintained timeline. Use a version management calendar to outline key phases like releases, support periods, and overlap windows. Here’s an example of what such a calendar might include:

This structure helps you stay organized and ensures a smooth transition between versions.

Automating Updates

Automated systems can significantly reduce the workload associated with version management. By replacing manual processes, automation ensures updates are consistent and less prone to errors.

For example:

• The shopify-gsheet-updater system, launched in July 2020, automates daily order data synchronization between Shopify and Google Sheets. It runs scheduled updates every night at midnight .
• The shopify-sync tool simplifies inventory management by automating CSV processing and API updates. It uses configuration files and sends email logs for tracking .

While automation is a powerful tool, always review new features carefully to ensure they align with your system’s stability requirements.

Balancing New Features and Stability

When considering new API features, it’s crucial to maintain system stability. Monitor API health reports and test release candidates in controlled environments – not in production. Use preview environments to evaluate new features thoroughly and plan upgrades during the overlap period .

Keep in mind that apps relying on deprecated resources risk being delisted from the Shopify App Store . To avoid disruptions, prioritize stability by testing updates rigorously before rolling them out. This approach ensures reliable operations while still taking advantage of new capabilities.

Professional API Support

Expert API support helps simplify Shopify version management and lowers the risk of disruptions.

E-commerce Dev Group Services

E-commerce Dev Group focuses on guiding businesses through Shopify API version changes. Their services ensure compatibility and improve store performance, making API transitions smoother.

Here’s what their API version management services cover:

For example, one client experienced a 700% speed improvement, cutting load times down to just one second. This success was achieved while maintaining smooth API integration. The group’s proactive monitoring and migration planning align perfectly with strategies for seamless API updates.

Expert Development Support

Beyond migration services, skilled developers play a critical role in safeguarding your store’s functionality. These professionals ensure timely updates and proper API implementation, staying in sync with Shopify’s quarterly releases and 12-month support cycle .

Key benefits of professional development support include:

• Proactive Updates: Experts track deprecation notices and schedule updates ahead of time to avoid risks like app delisting .
• Technical Expertise: Teams verify code quality and ensure APIs are implemented correctly.
• Fast Issue Resolution: Quick fixes for version-related problems minimize disruptions.

This level of support is especially important when dealing with webhook payload changes between API versions . By applying strict version controls and thorough testing, developers help maintain uninterrupted store operations.

For stores with complex setups – such as custom development projects or those using multiple API versions – professional support provides the technical know-how needed to keep systems stable while taking advantage of new API features.

Wrap-Up

Key Points Review

Managing Shopify API versions effectively hinges on Shopify’s regular release schedule and structured update process . With new versions rolled out every three months, this quarterly release cycle provides a clear and predictable timeline for developers . Each stable version is supported for at least 12 months, offering developers plenty of time to make necessary adjustments .

Here are the main factors that influence successful API version management:

These elements are crucial for maintaining smooth operations and staying up-to-date.

Getting Started

To put these principles into action, follow these steps for effective API version management:

• Monitor Version Headers: Keep an eye on the X-Shopify-API-Version header in API responses to ensure you’re using the correct version .
• Update Systematically:
  • Mark Shopify’s quarterly release dates on your calendar.
  • Check the changelog for any breaking changes.
  • Test updates using release candidate versions.
  • Roll out updates in phases, monitoring for any issues along the way .
• Document Key Information: Keep a record of your current API version, upcoming deadlines, deprecated features, and necessary updates.

For more complex setups, take advantage of developer previews available in the Partner Dashboard. These previews let you test upcoming changes before they are officially implemented, helping you maintain stability while exploring new API features .

Related Blog Posts

• Shopify API Breaking Changes: Debugging Guide
• Handling Shopify API Deprecations: Key Strategies
• Shopify API Versioning: Key Milestones Explained
• Shopify API Versioning: Key Compatibility Rules