Are private apps still a thing?

No. The term was replaced by custom apps. Since January 1, 2026, new custom apps are created in the Dev Dashboard, and existing legacy custom apps continue to work.

What is the difference between custom and public?

Public apps are listed in the Shopify App Store for any merchant and must pass review. Custom apps are built for one merchant or organization and are not listed.

How are custom apps installed?

Through an install link. With custom distribution you generate a link for a store, and with same-organization distribution you install on stores in the same Shopify organization.

Do custom apps need App Store review?

No. Public apps do. Custom apps skip App Store review, though they must still follow Shopify's API and security rules.

Pick a custom app for your own stores or one client, and pick a public app only if you want to sell to many merchants and can fund support.

Shopify Archives – Folio3 eCommerce

Answer Category: Shopify

Custom Shopify Apps

What Is The Difference Between A Shopify Custom App, A Private App And A Public App In 2026?

If you are unsure which app type fits, book a discovery call to confirm the type and setup before you build.

Custom Shopify Apps

What Are Our Options If Our Developer Built A Shopify App And We Don’t Have The Source Code?

If you are locked out of your app, book a discovery call and bring whatever you hold so we can assess recover or rebuild.

Custom Shopify Apps

Should We Build Or Buy A Shopify App That Syncs Inventory Across Shopify, Amazon And Our POS?

If tools do not fit your POS or rules, book a discovery call to review your channels before you commit to a build.

Custom Shopify Apps

What Ongoing Cost Should We Expect After A Custom Shopify App Is Built?

Before you commit to a build, book a discovery call and ask for the maintenance scope and a three-year cost view.

Custom Shopify Apps

How Do We Make One Custom Shopify App Work Across 200 Merchant Stores With Different Themes?

If your app must run on many themes, book a discovery call to review your storefront approach and test plan.

Custom Shopify Apps

Who Should We Hire To Build A Shopify App On A $60,000 Budget: An Agency, A Dev Shop Or A Freelancer?

Before you sign with any team, book a discovery call to compare your scope and budget against the vetting checklist.

Custom Shopify Apps

Can A Custom Shopify App Pull Live ERP Pricing Onto Product Pages Without Slowing The Site?

If your prices live in an ERP, book a discovery call to choose a sync pattern before you build.

Custom Shopify Apps

Is It A Design Problem When A Custom Shopify App Keeps Hitting API Rate Limits During Peak Sales?

If your app is throttled at peak, book a discovery call to start a code audit before the next sale.

Custom Shopify Apps

Should We Build A Custom Shopify App Or Pay For Three Separate Apps That Each Do Part Of The Job?

If your app stack keeps growing, book a discovery call to review what to keep, replace or build before you add another subscription.

Custom Shopify Apps

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Public Shopify App For The App Store, And What Do Teams Underestimate?

If you plan to publish an app, book a discovery call to review your idea and budget before you start the build.

Answer Category: Shopify

What Is The Difference Between A Shopify Custom App, A Private App And A Public App In 2026?

What Are Our Options If Our Developer Built A Shopify App And We Don’t Have The Source Code?

Should We Build Or Buy A Shopify App That Syncs Inventory Across Shopify, Amazon And Our POS?

What Ongoing Cost Should We Expect After A Custom Shopify App Is Built?

How Do We Make One Custom Shopify App Work Across 200 Merchant Stores With Different Themes?

Who Should We Hire To Build A Shopify App On A $60,000 Budget: An Agency, A Dev Shop Or A Freelancer?

Can A Custom Shopify App Pull Live ERP Pricing Onto Product Pages Without Slowing The Site?

Is It A Design Problem When A Custom Shopify App Keeps Hitting API Rate Limits During Peak Sales?

Should We Build A Custom Shopify App Or Pay For Three Separate Apps That Each Do Part Of The Job?

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Public Shopify App For The App Store, And What Do Teams Underestimate?

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