Is Migration to GraphQL Mandatory for Existing Apps Using REST API?

Hi Shopify Community,

We’ve been live on Shopify for over 3 years, and our app currently relies on the REST Admin API. However, I recently noticed this message in the Shopify documentation:

“The REST Admin API is a legacy API as of October 1, 2024. All apps and integrations should be built with the GraphQL Admin API.”

I’d like clarification on whether migrating to the GraphQL Admin API is mandatory for existing apps that currently use the REST API. Specifically:

  1. Will the REST API continue to function for existing apps?
  2. If migration is mandatory, what is the timeline or deadline for transitioning?

We want to ensure that our app remains compliant and functional for our merchants. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Hi, I’ll answer your questions below:

  1. Will the REST API continue to function for existing apps?

You can continue to use the REST API for existing apps until it’s fully deprecated. On April 1, 2025, all new apps submitted to the Shopify App Store will be required to use GraphQL. There will be a point in the future however when all apps (public and custom) will need to migrate to GraphQL fully.

  1. If migration is mandatory, what is the timeline or deadline for transitioning?

There is currently no public deadline for migration, but migration timelines will be announced in 2025, and ample time will be provided for the transition.

I’d recommend that you read this blog post, which discusses the rationale behind this change, outlines benefits you can expect from using GraphQL, and lists resources to help you migrate your app: All-in on GraphQL: the future of app development at Shopify (2024) - Shopify

1 Like

Appreciate your prompt response

Due to proper investment in current development practices promoted until very recently (September 2024), we hope that the transition period for existing custom apps is at least going 3 years until 2028.