Move existing subscriptions to Shopify App Pricing
Source: Shopify Dev Changelog
Shopify Adds Migration Path for Existing Subscriptions to App Pricing
What Changed
Shopify now allows developers to migrate existing Billing API subscriptions directly to Shopify App Pricing, rather than requiring merchants to set up new plans from scratch. The migration can be completed using a new tool in the Partner Dashboard or through added commands in Shopify CLI.
Developers can draft App Pricing plans in the Partner Dashboard that map to their current Billing API subscriptions. Once configured, existing subscriptions transition to the new pricing structure at the start of each merchant’s next billing cycle. Merchants do not need to re-approve charges during this transition, since the migration preserves the existing billing agreement rather than creating a new one.
Why This Matters for App Developers
Previously, moving from the Billing API to Shopify App Pricing meant asking merchants to approve new charges, creating friction and risking churn during the transition. This update removes that re-approval requirement, allowing developers to adopt Shopify App Pricing without disrupting active subscriptions or merchant billing relationships.
For apps with large installed bases, this reduces the operational risk of switching billing systems. It also gives developers a clearer path to take advantage of App Pricing features, including standardized plan presentation in the Shopify App Store and simplified plan management through the Partner Dashboard.
Practical Implications
Developers planning a migration should verify that their current Billing API plan structures (recurring charges, usage charges, or one-time charges) map correctly to equivalent App Pricing plans before initiating the switch. Since subscriptions migrate at the next billing cycle rather than immediately, teams should account for a transition window when testing and communicating changes to merchants. Reviewing CLI command documentation for the migration process is recommended before running it against production apps.