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

Can Shopify Handle A Made-To-Order Furniture Configurator With Fifteen Options And Live Pricing?

If you plan a configurator, book a discovery call to review your options and price rules before you commit to a platform.

Custom Shopify Apps

Is A Custom Shopify App The Right Answer For Warehouse Pick Scanning On A Tablet, And What Does It Cost?

If no app fits your pick flow, book a discovery call to review your process and devices before you commit to a custom build.

Shopify Plus

Should We Hire Dedicated Shopify Plus Developers On A Monthly Basis Or Engage An Agency Per Project? We Have A Long Roadmap And No In-House Shopify Skill.

If you have a long Shopify roadmap, book a discovery call to model dedicated, project and hybrid options before you sign a contract.

Shopify Plus

How Long Does A Shopify Plus Build Take From Kickoff To Launch For A Brand With A Large Catalogue, One ERP Integration And A Custom Design?

If you are planning a build, book a discovery call to review your catalogue, design and ERP and get a phase-by-phase timeline.

Shopify Functions

We Need Custom Discount Logic That Shopify’s Native Rules Can’t Handle, Like Buy X Get Y Across Specific Collections With Member Tiers. Is That Shopify Functions Territory And What Does It Cost?

If native discounts cannot express your rule, book a discovery call to review it and get a build or app recommendation with a cost range.

Shopify Plus

Our Shopify Plus Checkout Conversion Dropped After We Added A Third-Party App For Shipping Rates. How Do We Diagnose Whether It’s The App Or Something Else?

If checkout conversion has dropped, book a discovery call to run a checkout performance audit before you change more apps or settings.

Platform comparison

Is Shopify Plus Or Adobe Commerce Better For A Company Like Ours, With A Complex Catalogue, Configurable Products, Heavy ERP Dependency And A Small In-House Dev Team?

If you are choosing between platforms, book a discovery call to review your catalogue, ERP and team before you commit to a three-year plan.

Shopify Plus

What Should A Shopify Plus Development Agency Actually Be Doing For Us On A Monthly Retainer? We Pay A Lot Each Month And Can’t Tell What We’re Getting.

If you cannot see what your retainer delivers, book a discovery call to review your scope, hours and reporting before your next renewal.

Shopify Plus

How Many Expansion Stores Can We Realistically Run On Shopify Plus Before It Becomes An Operational Nightmare? We Want US, UK, EU And AU.

If you are planning a multi-region rollout, book a discovery call to review your regions, entities and catalogs before you add stores.

Shopify Plus

Our Shopify Plus Rebuild Is Months Late And The Agency Keeps Sending Change Orders. How Do I Work Out Whether To Push Through Or Cut Them Loose?

If your rebuild is behind schedule, book a discovery call to start an independent project audit before you approve another change order.

Answer Category: Shopify

Can Shopify Handle A Made-To-Order Furniture Configurator With Fifteen Options And Live Pricing?

Is A Custom Shopify App The Right Answer For Warehouse Pick Scanning On A Tablet, And What Does It Cost?

Should We Hire Dedicated Shopify Plus Developers On A Monthly Basis Or Engage An Agency Per Project? We Have A Long Roadmap And No In-House Shopify Skill.

How Long Does A Shopify Plus Build Take From Kickoff To Launch For A Brand With A Large Catalogue, One ERP Integration And A Custom Design?

We Need Custom Discount Logic That Shopify’s Native Rules Can’t Handle, Like Buy X Get Y Across Specific Collections With Member Tiers. Is That Shopify Functions Territory And What Does It Cost?

Our Shopify Plus Checkout Conversion Dropped After We Added A Third-Party App For Shipping Rates. How Do We Diagnose Whether It’s The App Or Something Else?

Is Shopify Plus Or Adobe Commerce Better For A Company Like Ours, With A Complex Catalogue, Configurable Products, Heavy ERP Dependency And A Small In-House Dev Team?

What Should A Shopify Plus Development Agency Actually Be Doing For Us On A Monthly Retainer? We Pay A Lot Each Month And Can’t Tell What We’re Getting.

How Many Expansion Stores Can We Realistically Run On Shopify Plus Before It Becomes An Operational Nightmare? We Want US, UK, EU And AU.

Our Shopify Plus Rebuild Is Months Late And The Agency Keeps Sending Change Orders. How Do I Work Out Whether To Push Through Or Cut Them Loose?

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