Shopify Public App Development: Benefits and Process

Building a successful online store is not just about having a great product. It is about having the right tools to sell that product. This is where Shopify apps come into the picture. While Shopify provides a strong foundation for any eCommerce business, it cannot possibly include every single feature that every merchant might need.

There are millions of merchants on the platform, each with different goals. Some need help with shipping, others with marketing, and some with managing their inventory. Shopify public apps are the bridge that fills these gaps. For developers and businesses, creating a public app is a chance to solve a common problem for thousands of store owners at once.

In this guide, we will look at why these apps are so important and walk through the steps to build one from scratch.

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What is a Shopify Public App?

Before we get into the “why” and “how,” let’s clear up what a public app actually is. In the Shopify ecosystem, there are different ways to build and share software.

A public app is an application that is available to any merchant on the Shopify platform. These apps are listed on the Shopify App Store. They go through a strict review process by the Shopify team to make sure they are safe, fast, and easy to use.

Unlike a custom app, which is built for one specific store, a public app is built for everyone. It is designed to be “plug-and-play.” A merchant finds it in the store, clicks install, and starts using it within minutes.

Why Shopify Public Apps Matter

Public apps are the lifeblood of the Shopify community. They benefit both the people who use them (merchants) and the people who create them (developers).

For Merchants: Freedom and Speed

1. Solving Specific Problems: No two businesses are the same. A store selling handmade jewelry has different needs than a store selling digital software. Public apps allow merchants to pick and choose the exact features they need without paying for a full custom build.
2. Affordability: Since many merchants use the same app, the cost is shared. Instead of paying thousands of dollars for a custom feature, a merchant can pay a small monthly fee to use a public app.
3. Trust and Security: Because Shopify reviews every public app, merchants feel safe installing them. They know the app won’t steal their data or break their store.
4. Automatic Updates: When Shopify changes its platform, app developers update their apps. The merchant doesn’t have to worry about the tech side; the app just keeps working.

For Developers: Growth and Income

1. Massive Audience: When you list an app on the Shopify App Store, you get access to millions of potential customers. You don’t have to find each customer individually; they find you.
2. Recurring Revenue: Most public apps use a subscription model. This means as a developer, you can build a steady income stream that grows as you add more users.
3. Building a Brand: A successful public app can make you a leader in the eCommerce space. It shows you understand the platform and the needs of merchants.
4. Scalability: You build the code once, and thousands of people can use it. Your effort doesn’t double when your user base doubles.

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Key Features of a Successful Public App

Not every app on the store becomes a hit. The ones that succeed usually share a few common traits. If you want your app to matter, keep these points in mind:

• Ease of Use: If a merchant needs a manual to understand your app, they will uninstall it. The best apps are intuitive.
• Clear Value: Within the first thirty seconds, a user should know how your app will save them time or make them money.
• Performance: No one likes a slow store. Your app must load quickly and not slow down the merchant’s website.
• Good Support: When something goes wrong, merchants need help. Apps with fast, friendly support get the best reviews.
• Deep Integration: Your app should feel like a part of Shopify, not a separate piece of software stuck on top. Using Shopify’s design language (Polaris) helps with this.

How to Build a Shopify Public App: Step-by-Step

Building a public app is a journey. It requires planning, coding, and a lot of testing. Here is the path you should follow.

Step 1: Find a Problem to Solve

Don’t build an app just because you can. Look for a gap in the market. Read Shopify forums, talk to store owners, and look at the reviews of existing apps. If people are complaining that an app is too expensive or missing a feature, that is your opportunity.

Step 2: Set Up Your Developer Environment

To start, you need a Shopify Partner Account. This is free and gives you the tools to create development stores where you can test your app. You will also need to choose your tech stack. Shopify apps are “language agnostic,” meaning you can use almost any language like:

• Node.js (very popular)
• PHP
• Ruby on Rails
• Python

Step 3: Use the Shopify CLI

The Shopify Command Line Interface (CLI) is a tool that helps you start your project quickly. It generates the basic code structure for you, handles authentication, and helps you push your app to the cloud. It saves you from doing the “boring” setup work so you can focus on building features.

Step 4: Build the Core Features

Focus on your Minimum Viable Product (MVP). What is the one thing your app MUST do? Build that first. Use the Shopify Admin API to talk to the store’s data (like products, orders, or customers). Make sure you follow the App Bridge guidelines so your app looks and feels like it belongs inside the Shopify admin panel.

Step 5: Implement Billing and Security

If you want to make money, you need to use the Shopify Billing API. This handles the payments so you don’t have to build your own payment system. Also, ensure your app is secure. Use OAuth for authentication and make sure you handle merchant data according to GDPR and other privacy laws.

Step 6: Testing (The Most Important Part)

Before you submit your app, test it until it breaks.

• Does it work on different Shopify themes?
• What happens if a store has 10,000 products?
• Does it work on mobile devices?
• Can it be uninstalled and reinstalled without errors?

Step 7: Submit for Review

Once you are confident, create your app listing. You will need a catchy name, clear screenshots, and a video showing how it works. Submit it to the Shopify team. They will check your code and your user interface. This process usually takes about a week. Be ready to make changes based on their feedback.

Also Read: Shopify Public App Development Cost in USA

Trends to Watch in 2026

As we move through 2026, the world of Shopify apps is changing. To stay ahead, look at these areas:

• AI Integration: Merchants want apps that use AI to write product descriptions, suggest prices, or chat with customers.
• Personalization: Tools that show different content to different shoppers based on their behavior are in high demand.
• Speed: With new web standards, apps that are “lightweight” and don’t bloat the code are winning.
• Sustainability: Apps that help merchants track their carbon footprint or offer eco-friendly shipping are becoming very popular.

Why Work with Experts?

Building a public app sounds simple in a list, but the technical details can be tough. Getting an app approved by Shopify is a high bar to clear. Many developers struggle with API limits, security requirements, or design standards.

Partnering with a team that knows the Shopify ecosystem inside and out can save you months of work and help you avoid common mistakes.

About CartCoders

CartCoders is a team of dedicated Shopify experts. We specialize in helping businesses turn their ideas into high-performing apps. Whether you want to build a public app for the store or a custom tool for your own business, we have the skills to make it happen.

We don’t just write code; we build solutions that help you grow. From the first idea to the final approval on the Shopify App Store, we are with you every step of the way. If you are looking for a partner to build your next Shopify app, contact CartCoders today.

Conclusion

Shopify public apps are more than just software; they are solutions that empower thousands of businesses to succeed. For developers, they represent a path to a global audience and a sustainable business model. While the building process requires care and attention to detail, the rewards are worth it.

By focusing on real problems, keeping the user in mind, and following Shopify’s high standards, you can create an app that truly matters.

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