I know this is a big request, but it would be great if Shopify could automatically include its own Google Maps API key whenever the Map component is used.
Why this would help:
It’s already happening elsewhere:
Shopify already shows interactive Google Maps on the “Thank you” page and for built-in pickup points without merchants having to provide their own keys.
Asking merchants to manage their own keys is risky:
Sometimes merchants use keys with no security settings. Anyone can see these keys in the front-end code, which means bad actors can steal them and rack up huge bills—thousands of dollars in some cases.
Getting a Google Maps API key is complicated and stressful:
Setting it up involves:
- Making a Google Account
- Setting up a Google Cloud Account
- Adding a credit card to enable billing
- Creating a project
- Turning on the right APIs
- Making the key
- Locking down the key to prevent misuse
There are a lot of steps. Even with a guide, it’s confusing. Many merchants also worry about unexpected Google charges.
Google Maps is getting more expensive (and I bet you guys have some sweet deal with them):
Starting March 1, 2025, Google will change its pricing and stop offering the $200/month free credit. This means using Google Maps will become even more costly for merchants, and many would rather avoid dealing with this directly.
By having Shopify handle the API keys, merchants can skip the hassle, reduce risk, and not face higher costs. It also seems likely that Shopify, given its scale, could negotiate better terms with Google - terms that individual merchants wouldn’t be able to get on their own.
