Polaris 2.0 release candidate
Source: Shopify Dev Changelog
What Changed
Shopify has released the Polaris 2.0 release candidate for embedded App Home interfaces. This release candidate introduces the visual styles that accompany the new Shopify admin design, giving app developers a way to align their embedded apps with the updated interface.
The new Shopify admin design started rolling out progressively to merchants on September 15, 2026. Developers can now adopt the Polaris 2.0 release candidate and test their apps against both the previous admin design and the new one, since both versions will be in use across the merchant base during this transition period.
Apps that load polaris-2.0-rc.js inside the Shopify admin will render using the updated visual language, including new styling for components rendered through App Bridge and embedded UI elements.
Why This Matters for Developers
Since the new admin design is rolling out gradually rather than all at once, merchants will be split across two different visual environments for some time. Apps that don’t adopt Polaris 2.0 may display inconsistently depending on which admin version a merchant is using, creating a fragmented experience across the installed base.
For developers maintaining embedded apps, this update affects component rendering, spacing, typography, and other visual elements tied to Polaris design tokens.
What to Watch For
Developers should begin testing embedded apps against both admin versions before the new design reaches full rollout. Pay attention to how existing components render under polaris-2.0-rc.js, particularly custom styling that may conflict with updated design tokens. Since this is a release candidate rather than a final stable release, further changes to the API and visual specifications are possible before general availability. Teams should monitor the Shopify Dev Changelog for updates on breaking changes, migration timelines, and the eventual stable release of Polaris 2.0.