Shopify Updates Partner Program Agreement and API Terms, Effective February 27, 2026

Shopify has revised its Partner Program Agreement and API License and Terms of Use, with changes taking effect on February 27, 2026. The company states the updates clarify partner roles, strengthen data protection requirements, and accommodate new platform features.

What Changed

The updated agreements modify the legal framework governing Shopify’s relationship with app developers and partners. Partners who continue using Shopify services after February 27, 2026 automatically accept the new terms. Shopify has published the full details and a FAQ section in the Shopify Help Center.

Impact on App Developers

These agreement changes affect all Shopify Partners, including app developers who use the platform’s APIs. The emphasis on enhanced data protection suggests potential new compliance requirements for how apps handle merchant and customer data. The mention of “new platform features” indicates the terms now cover recently released or upcoming API capabilities.

What to Review

Developers should review the updated agreements before the February 27 deadline to understand any new obligations. Key areas to examine include data handling requirements, liability provisions, and any restrictions on API usage. Partners who disagree with the new terms must discontinue using Shopify services before the effective date.

The changes appear primarily administrative rather than operational, but developers should verify their current apps and integrations remain compliant under the updated framework. Shopify has not indicated whether existing apps require modifications to meet the new terms.

Read the full announcement →