Private apps are now custom apps, and the real choice is custom versus public. As of January 1, 2026, new custom apps are created in the Dev Dashboard, and the old admin-created apps are called legacy custom apps and keep working. Choose custom for your own stores or one client, and public only when you want to sell through the App Store.
This page is dated October 2026, so check Shopify’s documentation for later changes. Our custom Shopify app development team builds both types, and our custom app versus private app guide adds history.
Terminology, mapped
Old terms on the left, current meaning on the right.
| Old or common term | Current term | Notes |
| Private app | Custom app | Private apps were replaced by custom apps. |
| Custom app created in the Shopify admin | Legacy custom app | New creation ended January 1, 2026. Existing ones keep working. |
| Custom app created in Dev Dashboard | Custom app (current) | Choose custom distribution or same-organization distribution. |
| Public app | Public app | Listed in the App Store, with review. |
Check Shopify’s documentation for the latest wording.
The three kinds side by side
Distribution, installation and review.
| Type | Who can install | How it installs | Review |
| Public app | Any merchant | App Store listing | App Store review required |
| Custom app, custom distribution | One merchant or store you choose | Install link | No App Store review |
| Custom app, same-organization distribution | Stores in one Shopify organization | Install in your organization | No App Store review |
| Legacy custom app | The store that created it | Created and installed in the admin | None. Existing apps still work. |
- Dev Dashboard tokens for same-organization apps expire after 24 hours, so apps must refresh them.
- Public apps must bill through Shopify and subscribe to the privacy webhooks.
- Custom apps are not listed, and they cannot be sold on the App Store.
Which to choose for which use case
Match the type to the audience.
Choose: custom app.
Why: no review, fast to ship, scoped to your needs.
Choose: custom app with same-organization distribution.
Why: one build, installed across your own stores.
Choose: custom app with custom distribution.
Why: you hand the client an install link.
Choose: public app.
Why: App Store reach and billing, with review and support cost.
A simple decision rule
Two questions settle it.
Rule of thumb: custom unless you plan to sell to strangers.
Both types in practice
Fanbase is a custom Shopify app with a webhook-based order sync. ColDesi Clickwear is a Shopify app that merchants install with one click. Our case studies show both routes.
Read more: our Fanbase Shopify app case study
Tell us who will use your app, and our custom Shopify app development team will confirm the right type and the setup steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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. For costs, see public app development cost.
