Purpose #
This article explains how Shopstars manages app and theme updates for Shopify stores. It covers why updates are important, how they are tested, what risks are considered, and how updates are rolled out safely. Clients should use this as the reference for understanding how their store remains secure, functional, and compatible with Shopify’s evolving platform.
Why Updates Matter #
Shopify regularly releases platform updates, and app developers push new versions to introduce features, fix bugs, and patch security issues. Outdated apps or themes can create vulnerabilities, break functionality, or slow down performance. Keeping everything updated ensures security, stability, and compatibility with new Shopify features such as Checkout Extensibility and Online Store 2.0 architecture.
Theme Updates #
Version Upgrades
- Premium themes often release new versions that include bug fixes, new features, and performance improvements.
- Shopstars evaluates release notes to determine if updates are necessary or optional.
- Updates are applied in staging first to test for compatibility with custom code or apps.
Custom Themes
- For custom-coded themes, Shopstars maintains version control using Git or equivalent systems.
- Updates are handled incrementally to avoid regressions.
- Deprecated features or APIs are replaced with Shopify’s current best practices (e.g., moving from Script Editor to Checkout Extensibility).
App Embed Migration
- Legacy hardcoded scripts are migrated to app embeds where possible.
- This ensures updates remain stable and reduces conflicts between apps.
App Updates #
Routine Updates
- Shopify apps installed from the App Store update automatically in most cases.
- Shopstars monitors apps for changes that affect permissions or introduce new features.
Compatibility Checks
- After significant updates, Shopstars tests checkout, add-to-cart, and pixel tracking to confirm no functionality breaks.
- Any conflicts are documented in Basecamp and escalated to the app developer if necessary.
Decommissioning Apps
- Apps that are abandoned, unsupported, or cause performance issues are removed.
- Replacements are vetted for security, efficiency, and compliance with client requirements.
Risks and Safeguards #
- Code Conflicts: Theme updates may overwrite customizations. Shopstars preserves custom code by merging selectively.
- App Permissions: Updates may request new permissions. Shopstars reviews and approves only if necessary.
- Performance Regressions: Updates are tested with Lighthouse audits to confirm they do not degrade speed.
Update Workflow #
- Review: Release notes and change logs are evaluated.
- Staging: Updates are applied in a staging or duplicate theme.
- QA: Full store QA checks are run (navigation, cart, checkout, pixels, integrations).
- Client Approval: Major updates are summarized in Basecamp for client review.
- Deployment: Updates are pushed live during low-traffic windows.
- Post-Update Monitoring: Store logs and analytics are reviewed for anomalies in the following 48 hours.
Maintenance Schedule #
- Minor app updates: Monitored continuously, tested when needed.
- Major theme updates: Reviewed quarterly and implemented selectively.
- Custom code reviews: Conducted as part of quarterly technical audits.
Client Responsibilities #
Clients must:
- Notify Shopstars before installing or updating apps independently.
- Approve major theme version updates when new designs or features are included.
- Report any post-update issues immediately in Basecamp.
- Provide brand preferences for optional feature rollouts (e.g., new layouts or modules).
Summary #
App and theme updates at Shopstars are handled with a structured workflow to minimize risks and maintain stability. Theme upgrades are tested in staging before deployment, apps are monitored for compatibility, and legacy scripts are migrated to app embeds. Updates are documented in Basecamp, and client approvals are secured when major changes are introduced. This ensures that Shopify stores remain secure, modern, and fully functional with Shopify’s evolving ecosystem.
