Public vs. Private Shopify Apps: Which One Should You Build?

If you dive into Shopify app development, one of the earliest decisions is whether to build a public or private app. And here’s the twist: it’s no longer continually apparent which one’s right.

Many store owners expect private apps to be faster and easier. Developers would likely favor public apps for broader reach. But between platform rules, integration needs, and scaling ambitions, making a poor choice can cost you a lot of refactoring later.

So what’s the difference?

• Public Shopify apps are available through the Shopify App Store and are built for multiple stores.
• Private Shopify apps are tailored for a single store and never listed publicly.

In this blog, you will get clarity on what separates public from non-public apps.

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Types of Shopify Apps

Shopify supports three types of apps, each with its own unique use case and deployment method. Let’s destroy them.

1. Public Apps

• Available in the Shopify App Store
• Can be established with the aid of any merchant
• Built for mass adoption and monetisation
• Requires app evaluation and approval from Shopify

2. Private Apps

• Created by the Shopify Admin or API
• Designed for one specific store
• Not visible to different merchants
• Best for rapid custom solutions except needing public listing

3. Custom Apps

• Introduced after 2022 as a replacement for typical non-public apps
• Installed via Shopify Admin by keep owners
• Don’t require app shop list or manual API key management
• Ideal for internal equipment or agency-built solutions

Here’s a rapid contrast to help you get better clarity on app solutions:

What Is a Public Shopify App?

Public Shopify apps are your go-to choice for developing stunning solutions for thousands of stores at once. If your purpose is to create something reusable, scalable, and monetizable, this is the path.

Key characteristics of public apps:

• Listed in the Shopify App Store
• Installable via any Shopify merchant
• Require approval from Shopify before publishing

Often built on the use of Shopify App Bridge, OAuth, and different platform tools

Why pick out a public app:

• You desire to monetise the app through subscriptions or one-time fees
• You’re concentrated on a vast problem faced by many merchants (e.g., reviews, upsells, analytics)
• You diagram to preserve and develop the app in the long term

Limitations

• You ought to go through Shopify’s approval process
• Regular updates are needed to remain like-minded with Shopify’s evolving ecosystem
• Expect multiplied assistance demands from a wider consumer base

If you are serious about Shopify public app development, it is time to choose CartCoders, the best Shopify app development company with decades of experience in developing modern stores.

What Is a Private Shopify App?

Private apps are suitable for addressing unique enterprise issues that apply to only one Shopify store. These apps are now not listed publicly and don’t go through any Shopify approval.

Key characteristics of Private Shopify apps

• Built using API credentials from the Shopify Admin
• Accessible only via a unique store
• Managed totally outside the App Store

Often used for customised workflows, ERP connections, or area of interest logic

Why a Private Shopify App?

• Fast to build and deploy without waiting on reviews
• Great for store-specific features
• Offers deep customisation without app store constraints

Limitations

• It can’t be reused for different customers besides modification
• Not eligible for monetisation through the Shopify App Store
• Less documentation and help are accessible compared to public apps

Key Differences Between Public and Private Apps

Choosing between a public vs private Shopify app begins with understanding the realistic tradeoffs. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

When Should You Build a Public App?

A public app makes sense when your answer solves a regularly occurring hassle for Shopify retailers across niches and geographies. If you are constructing a SaaS product around the Shopify ecosystem, this is the way to go.

1. Developing SaaS Product:- If you’re aiming to build a commercial enterprise around a function like cart recuperation or e-mail automation, you want scale. Public apps let you tap into hundreds of merchants.
2. You’re Targeting Multiple Shopify Stores:- Your app isn’t store-specific. Consider product bundles, shipping calculators, or widget evaluations; these can help resolve common issues that many retailers face.
3. You Want Monetisation opportunities:- By publishing on the App Store, you can generate revenue on a monthly, per-usage, or one-time basis, opening up serious revenue streams.

When Should You Build a Private App?

Private apps are fantastic when you need to go deep, not wide. These are best for keeping owners or groups solving a very particular commercial enterprise process.

1. You’re Solving One Store’s Needs

This could be a large Shopify Plus store needing custom loyalty logic or pricing calculators that don’t exist out of the box.

2. You Need Custom API Connections

ERP systems, third-party CRMs, or customized POS setups often require building store-specific bridges.

3. You Need to Move Fast

Private apps don’t require Shopify approval, which means you can review and set up without delay.

If building a private Shopify app has become the need of the day for your business, it’s time to reach out to a Shopify private app development company to exceed your expectations.

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About Custom Shopify Apps

With the deprecation of private apps, Shopify now recommends customized apps for store-specific use cases.

• Created through the Shopify Admin, not the Partner Dashboard
• Installed besides the desired app save record or manual API key sharing
• Installed and licensed  with the aid of the save proprietors only
• Require fewer permissions and are greater secure

Key Benefits

• Perfect for organisations managing more than one customer store
• Useful for in-house development groups constructing operational tools
• Can change deprecated non-public app workflows post 2022

If you are weighing Shopify customized vs personal app routes, custom apps regularly offer the best of both worlds, a private focal point with less complicated deployment.

Pros and Cons of Public Apps

Here are the pros and cons of Public Apps:

Pros

• Listed on Shopify App Store
• Built for scale and monetisation

Cons

• Needs Shopify evaluation and approval
• Ongoing maintenance and assistance are needed

Pros and Cons of Private Apps

Here are the pros and cons of Private Apps:

Pros

• Quick setup and full flexibility
• No approval proces

Cons

• One store only
• Not publicly seen or monetizable

Building & Testing Tips for Developers

No matter which type of app you choose, result-oriented tips can make all the difference.

1. Choose the Right Tools

• Use Shopify CLI for scaffolding and deployment 
• Leverage the Shopify App Bridge for embedded apps

Manage the whole lot from the Shopify Partner Dashboard (for public apps)

2. Test in the Right Environment

• Use ngrok to take a look at your app domestically with stay Shopify data
• For public apps, set up applicable OAuth flows

For personal and customized apps, ensure you secure access to tokens.

3. Write Modular, Reusable Code

Even private apps benefit from modular code. Built with reusability in mind, you would possibly turn it into a public app someday.

Conclusion

Choosing between a public vs. private Shopify app comes down to one core question: Are you developing for one shop or for many?

If you aim to acquire a large number of merchants, monetize your app, and invest in long-term support, consider going public. If you intend to address a store’s unique problems quickly, consider building a private or custom app.

Looking for professional help to choose, build, and scale the perfect Shopify app?

CartCoders is the Shopify app development agency with a team of the best Shopify experts trusted by leading brands and fast-growing startups to develop top-class stores at an affordable price.

Whether you are exploring Shopify public app development or building customized solutions, CartCoders has a team of experts with high-end skills and support to bring your app to life.

Still caught on which one to choose? Consult with the professionals and build a solid foundation from day one.