Shopify Changes Default Value for App Discount Subscription Field

Shopify has modified the default value of appliesOnSubscription from false to true in the GraphQL Admin API’s DiscountCodeAppInput and DiscountAutomaticAppInput input types. The change applies across all active API versions.

Technical Details

The appliesOnSubscription field now defaults to true when creating or updating app discounts through the Admin API. This aligns with the existing behavior of the appliesOnOneTimePurchase field, which already defaults to true.

Shopify states that this default value change does not affect how discounts are applied at checkout. Apps that explicitly set the appliesOnSubscription value when creating or updating discounts will see no change in behavior.

Impact on Shopify App Developers

Developers who build discount functionality do not need to take immediate action. The change only affects apps that rely on the implicit default value rather than explicitly setting appliesOnSubscription.

Apps that create discount codes or automatic discounts without specifying the subscription field will now have subscription purchases included by default. This represents a shift from the previous behavior where subscription applicability required explicit opt-in.

What to Monitor

Developers should review their discount creation logic to confirm whether their apps explicitly set appliesOnSubscription values. Apps that depend on the previous false default may need updates to maintain their intended discount behavior for subscription products. Testing discount application across both one-time and subscription purchases will verify correct implementation.

Read the full announcement →