Shopify Editions, Shopify’s biannual updates, were just released! On June 17, 2026 (local time), the highly anticipated new version, “Shopify Editions: Spring '26 Everywhere,” was unveiled! As the name suggests, this time’s theme is “Everywhere.”
Over 150 innovative new features have been announced, including infrastructure development for the full-scale implementation of "Agentic Commerce," a recent trend where AI agents autonomously search, compare, and complete purchases, as well as omnichannel payment solutions connecting physical stores and e-commerce, and B2B functionalities now accessible to smaller stores.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected the "most important features that Japanese e-commerce businesses should prioritize right now" from this extensive update. We'll provide a timely report, including feedback from a commerce media perspective, and details on applicable plans and costs!
*This article focuses exclusively on new features that were newly released or enhanced in Spring '26, excluding those already announced in previous Editions prior to Winter 2026.
Spring '26 Update Table of Contents
- 1. AI, Agents, and Store Operations Automation
- 2. Evolution of Checkout, Payments, Shipping, and Omnichannel Functions
- 3. Enhanced Marketing, Product Management, and Data Analysis
- 4. Expansion of B2B (Wholesale Functionality) and Shopify Collective (Collaborative Selling)
- 5. Overview of Key Feature Availability, Plans, and Costs
1. AI, Agents, and Store Operations Automation
Agentic commerce, where AI autonomously handles shopping for customers, is finally here. Shopify is building a robust infrastructure as the first platform to support this purchasing behavior.
Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) and Catalog API
【Features of the New Function】
The Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an open standard protocol co-developed with Google, has been fully released as a self-service option requiring no approval. In conjunction with this, the Shopify Catalog API allows AI agents such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot to process store product data as structured data and display it as recommended products on AI.
Key takeaway:
The era has finally arrived where customers complete purchases by asking AI chat what they want, instead of using Google search. To be compatible with UCP, it will be more crucial than ever to register store product information (descriptions and attributes) in a structured format using metafields so that AI can correctly understand it.
In-Chat Checkout
【Features of the New Function】
This feature allows customers to complete a fast payment using "Shop Pay" directly within the chat screen during a conversation with an AI chatbot, without having to navigate to an external browser.
Key takeaway:
This enables an incredibly smooth purchasing experience, such as consulting AI about camping gear and then buying a recommended tent directly within the chat. By minimizing the purchasing process, it's expected to be highly effective in preventing cart abandonment. For limited-edition products with purchase restrictions like "one per customer," exclusion settings are also available.
"Agentic Plan" for non-Shopify cart users
【Features of the New Function】
This new plan allows brands using e-commerce carts other than Shopify (such as Salesforce or self-developed carts) to synchronize product data with Shopify Catalog and sell only through AI channels and the Shop app.
Key takeaway:
This is an innovative plan that allows you to selectively leverage Shopify's "strong exposure on AI channels" and "payment convenience." You can test Shopify's AI infrastructure without replacing your existing large-scale cart system.
Shopify AI Toolkit and Agent-Based Store Management
【Features of the New Function】
Developers can use the "Shopify AI Toolkit" to directly connect advanced external AI agents (such as ChatGPT or Claude) with the Shopify store system, allowing AI to autonomously perform management tasks like order processing, inventory adjustments, and product updates via programmatic access.
Key takeaway:
Complex automation scripts that previously required development can now be executed in the background by simply instructing AI agents in natural language. This has the potential to significantly reduce development costs for merchants.
Improved Store Data Context
【Features of the New Function】
The data context design has been improved to allow AI assistants and agents to better understand the structure and relationships of a store's unique metafields and metaobjects.
Key takeaway:
This dramatically reduces "misunderstandings" and "hallucinations (false information)" when AI reads and processes store information. As a result, the reliability of automated responses and data extraction using AI has significantly improved.
Enhanced Integration with "Vibe Coding" Partners
【Features of the New Function】
AI code generation tools such as Lovable, Replit, and v0 have been deeply integrated into Shopify's partner system. By simply communicating your requests to AI, it can automatically and rapidly construct code for Shopify apps and custom store UIs.
Key takeaway:
"Vibe coding (development by instruction)" has dramatically accelerated the initial mock-up construction speed for app development and custom feature creation. Even when commissioning development to a specialized company, the benefits include shorter initial proposal and verification cycles.
Sidekick Enhancements (Improved Wearable & Autonomous Operations)
【Features of the New Function】
Shopify's standard AI assistant, "Sidekick," has received a significant update, enhancing its autonomy. Key feature expansions include:
- Apple Watch Support: Inquire vocally to Sidekick from your Apple Watch on your wrist, and instantly receive sales, unfulfilled order counts, and inventory alerts by voice.
- Background Multitasking: After instructing a time-consuming task (e.g., bulk data updates or data analysis), you can proceed with work on a different screen while Sidekick continues processing in the background.
- App Editor: Preview, edit, and version control app and UI code proposed and generated by Sidekick within the editor.
- Smartphone Voice Support: Receive context-aware assistance by speaking or typing within the mobile admin app, from any screen.
- Automation Testing (Flow Integration): Use Sidekick to generate simulated test data for Shopify Flow and securely execute operational checks.
- Automatic Customer Creation: Automatically populate customer forms. For example, simply say, "Change Mr./Ms. OOO's (customer) phone number to xxxx-xxxx-xxxx," and Sidekick will automatically recognize and fill in the form.
Key takeaway:
Of particular note are "background multitasking" and "Flow test data generation." You can instruct time-consuming tasks and then continue working on other screens, as Sidekick will continue processing in the background, significantly boosting work efficiency. Furthermore, the ability to simulate test events using Sidekick before going live with Shopify Flow enables secure operational setup.
AI Sales Associate
【Features of the New Function】
An AI customer service agent integrated into the chat tool "Shopify Inbox." It is fed with store product information and frequently asked questions (FAQs) policies, and automatically responds to visiting customers, explaining product specifications and providing purchase advice, much like a sales associate.
Key takeaway:
Unlike traditional rule-based bots, AI can search and recommend optimal products from the entire catalog, directly contributing to not only automating customer support but also increasing conversion rates. This tool is highly recommended for stores with limited resources for chat support.
2. Evolution of Checkout, Payments, Shipping, and Omnichannel Functions
To create an environment where shopping is possible "Everywhere," the checkout experience for physical stores and e-commerce, as well as the underlying inventory and shipping management functions, have evolved further.
【Highly Anticipated】Mixed Fulfillment (Simultaneous Shipping and In-Store Pickup)
【Features of the New Function】
This feature allows customers to select different fulfillment methods for individual items within a single checkout process—for example, "home delivery" for product A and "in-store pickup at the nearest store (BOPIS)" for product B—and complete the payment for all items at once.
Key takeaway:
Previously, when a mix of shipping and in-store pickup was involved, customers had to split their order into two separate payments, which was a significant friction point in the purchasing experience (and a cause of cart abandonment). With this update, customers can now smartly buy items, picking up those in stock at the store on the same day and having others delivered to their home, all with a single click. This dramatically enhances the convenience of omnichannel stores.
New Mobile-Optimized Checkout Design
【Features of the New Function】
A mobile-optimized checkout screen, significantly reducing scrolling and offering a concise and intuitive user experience, is now available, specifically enhancing usability on smartphone screens.
Key takeaway:
Checkout screen loading speed and minimal scrolling directly impact conversion rates (CVR). The improved design minimizes abandonment among mobile users.
Omnichannel Support for In-Store Pickup and Returns
【Features of the New Function】
When a customer requests "in-store pickup" or "in-store return" via the Shop app, a barcode or QR code is displayed in the app. Store staff can simply scan this with POS to quickly complete the handover or refund process.
Key takeaway:
The omnichannel style, prevalent in Western countries, of picking up e-commerce purchases at a physical store after work or returning them in-store, can now be seamlessly managed with standard Shopify features. This is also expected to boost in-store traffic (encouraging impulse purchases).
Applying Discounts on the Refund Page
【Features of the New Function】
This feature allows for direct automatic allocation and readjustment of discount settings on the refund screen when partially returning an order that had conditional discounts applied, such as "Buy X Get Y" (released May 2026).
Key takeaway:
Previously, calculating refund amounts and consumption tax when a campaign condition was voided by a partial return required complex manual calculations and adjustments in the admin panel, which was a significant burden on back-office operations. This feature ensures that financial data and tax reports are automatically maintained accurately.
Faster Inventory Synchronization and SKU Sharing Across Locations
【Features of the New Function】
The infrastructure for defining and pooling inventory data for the same SKU (stock keeping unit) across multiple warehouses and physical stores (locations) has been revamped. Inventory counts are now synchronized at near real-time speeds.
Key takeaway:
When distributing the same product to multiple locations, the risk of "overselling" due to delayed system reflection is minimized. This is a crucial infrastructure improvement for merchants managing inventory across multiple stores or centralizing physical store inventory.
Fulfillment of Pick-up Orders from Multiple Sources
【New Feature Highlights】
This workflow allows customers to pick up orders in-store even if the designated store has insufficient stock. The system automatically allocates and transfers stock from multiple inventory locations, such as warehouses or other stores, to enable in-store pick-up.
Key Takeaway
Instead of customers abandoning a purchase because "in-store pick-up is not possible due to lack of stock," the system automatically arranges for "pick-up in X days after transfer from another warehouse." This is ideal for maximizing inventory efficiency and reducing lost opportunities.
Shop Pay's Expansion to External Platforms
【New Feature Highlights】
Enterprise websites using e-commerce carts other than Shopify can now integrate Shop Pay's payment and ID infrastructure, known for its payment speed and conversion rate.
Key Takeaway
Over 250 million Shop users worldwide can now securely make "one-tap" payments on external e-commerce sites, not just on Shopify. This enables Shop Pay's incredible conversion power to be utilized on external systems, supporting the multi-platform strategies of large brands.
3. Enhanced Marketing, Automation, and Analytics
Powerful features leveraging AI and personalized data have also been added to daily marketing, sales promotion activities, and data visualization.
Campaign Autopilot
【New Feature Highlights】
This marketing automation feature uses AI to fully automate the optimization and operation of external media ad campaigns (e.g., Google, Meta) based on store product data, sales goals, and budget settings, including setting bids, targeting audiences, and selecting images.
Key Takeaway
This is like having a "dedicated AI ad manager" within your store. Even small to medium-sized stores with limited resources for ad operations can benefit from the AI algorithm efficiently allocating budgets based on data.
We'd like to apply for early access and try it out for our own business.
Variant-level Publishing
【New Feature Highlights】
This feature allows individual control over whether product variants (e.g., size, color) are published to specific sales channels (e.g., online store, Shop App) or specific markets (released in May 2026).
Key Takeaway
Previously, if you wanted to sell only specific colors or sizes exclusively, you had to separate the products (register them as different products), which made product management complicated. This feature allows for flexible variant deployment, such as "pre-publishing limited colors only to specific sales channels or B2B catalogs" within the same product code.
Shopify Smart Pricing
【New Feature Highlights】
This official tool uses AI to analyze store sales, inventory levels, competitor pricing trends, and seasonal trends through machine learning, automatically suggesting price revisions (mark-downs/mark-ups) that maximize profitability. It also supports A/B testing for pricing.
Key Takeaway
This feature seems to be well-suited for merchants involved in wholesale, select shops, and food sales.
Price changes can be made based on data science rather than "intuition." It will be highly beneficial for maximizing gross profit (smart merchandising), such as setting sale prices, discounting excess inventory, and testing price increases to boost profits.
AI-Assisted Storefront Search
【New Feature Highlights】
Search results within online store searches are enhanced by AI.
Key Takeaway
By supporting searches that are closer to natural language than traditional keyword matching, users can search for products using their own words more easily and find the right products.
It also helps prevent lost opportunities due to users leaving when search results are not found because of typos or misspellings.
*As of June 2026, we were unable to use it after testing several stores in Japan.
Additionally, there was no mention of Japanese language support in the official documentation.
This is a very useful update, so we will add information as soon as it becomes available.
SMS and Marketing Automation
【New Feature Highlights】
Marketing automation features like Shopify Flow have been enhanced to natively integrate "automated SMS (Short Message Service) sending" in addition to email sending.
Key Takeaway
SMS, which has a much higher open rate than email, can be automatically delivered directly for cart abandonment prevention and shipping completion notifications.
This will be highly effective in improving retention for B2C stores where emails tend to get buried.
Filtering Store Analytics by Metafields
【New Feature Highlights】
The new Analytics report now allows for detailed filtering and grouping of data using the values of custom attributes "metafields" and "metaobjects" registered for products and orders.
Key Takeaway
This is a feature that our client merchants had inquired about.
For example, it's now easy to perform store-specific data analysis, such as "comparing sales by filtering using the 'material' metafield," using only standard features.
This enables advanced product analysis without the need to implement third-party aggregation tools.
4. Expanded B2B & Shopify Collective Features
Among the features in this Edition, the most practically impactful for many Japanese merchants are the expanded B2B (wholesale) functionality and "Shopify Collective," which enables mutual sourcing and selling of products with zero inventory risk.
B2B Features Now Available on More Plans (Open to Basic Plan)
【New Feature Highlights】
The full B2B (wholesale) features (e.g., creating company profiles, setting wholesale prices, configuring payment terms for deferred payments) that were previously exclusive to the top-tier "Shopify Plus" plan are now available for all plans (Basic and above) at no additional cost (pre-announced and GA in April 2026).
Key Takeaway
This is one of the most impactful updates in this Edition.
You can now start full-fledged business-to-business (B2B) transactions from a Basic plan, which costs a few thousand yen per month, without upgrading to a Plus plan that costs hundreds of thousands of yen per month.
*However, Basic to Advanced plans are limited to a maximum of three active "price lists." For unlimited individual pricing for each customer and company, Shopify
Plus is still required.
Starting with Basic is ideal for small-scale ventures and pilot projects.
Verified Tracking Badge
【New Feature Highlights】
To enhance confidence for retailers sourcing on Collective, the system now automatically displays a "Verified Tracking" badge for suppliers with excellent shipping speed and tracking information provision history.
Key Takeaway
The quality of the supplier's shipments is visualized, allowing retailers to confidently proceed with business partnerships on Collective. For supplier companies, the badge offers the advantage of being more easily chosen.
Shopify Collective's Support for Tax-Inclusive Pricing
【New Feature Highlights】
During transactions, the infrastructure now supports applying "tax-inclusive" pricing to wholesale product prices within Collective and accurately calculating taxes, according to country and regional tax settings.
Key Takeaway
This ensures that there are no discrepancies in pricing and settlement during procurement, even in regions where gross display (tax-inclusive) is common, such as Japan, or under certain overseas tax systems, allowing for quick and accurate accounting between suppliers and purchasing stores.
Product Sourcing Insights in Shopify Collective
【New Feature Highlights】
This insights panel automatically recommends "best-selling products" and "new compatible suppliers" suitable for your customer base and past sales trends, and visualizes this data.
Key Takeaway
This minimizes the effort required to predict "what will sell" from tens of thousands of products and enables a safe, curated shop approach with fewer mismatches.
5. Status, Plan, and Cost List of Key Features
We have compiled a list of the conditions for using the main features announced this time. Please use it as a reference when considering implementation.
| Feature Name | Availability | Applicable Plans | Additional Cost | Key Considerations/Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCP / Catalog API | Generally Available | All Plans | None | Automatically applied to stores meeting catalog requirements |
| In-chat Checkout | Rolling out gradually | Plans with Shop Pay enabled | None | Supported channels only |
| Agentic Plan | Generally Available | For external cart providers only | Free (fees only) | No online store building features |
| Sidekick Feature Enhancements | Generally Available | All Plans | None | Apple Watch integration, multitasking, etc. |
| AI Sales Associate | Generally Available | All Plans | None | Automated customer service within Inbox |
| Combined Shipping & In-store Pickup Checkout | Generally Available | All Plans | None | Allows simultaneous selection of shipping and pickup in the cart |
| Refund Page Discount Application | General Availability | All Plans | None | Automatically adjusts discount allocation for partial returns. |
| Campaign Autopilot | Early Access | All Plans | None (Actual advertising costs) | Application required from the Growth tab. |
| Individual Variant Publishing | General Availability | All Plans | None | Allows restricting the publication of specific variants. |
| AI-Assisted Storefront Search | General Availability | All Plans | None | Provides insights for display and optimization in AI search. |
| B2B Features Available on All Plans | General Availability | All Plans (Basic~) | None | Basic to Advanced plans allow up to 3 active catalogs. |
| Analytics Metafield Filtering | General Availability | All Plans | None | Aggregates sales and filters reports by custom attributes. |
Summary: The Age of Everywhere as a Sales Channel
Shopify Spring '26 Edition: Everywhere, as its theme suggests, is an update that connects every touchpoint where consumers exist—from "AI agent conversational spaces," "Shop app," and "in-store QR codes" to "external e-commerce carts"—with Shopify's robust payment and catalog infrastructure, going beyond the confines of an online store.
In particular, the availability of B2B features on all plans (Basic~) will be a powerful tailwind for D2C brands looking to venture into wholesale. Furthermore, in preparation for agentic commerce, optimizing product data structuring (metafields, etc.) using Search Intelligence is a crucial e-commerce strategy that should be started now.
If you have any questions about how to implement or set up these updates for your store, or if you'd like to discuss starting omnichannel or B2B business, please feel free to contact Commerce Media!
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