Shopify CLI 4.0: SemVer, auto-updates, removing deprecated flags and commands
Shopify developer change
MerchantDiff detected this entry in Shopify's official developer changelog on May 21, 2026.
This Shopify update is categorized as Tools, Update.
What changed
The release of Shopify CLI 4.0 today brings clarity to CLI versioning, the introduction of automatic updates, and the announced removal of the deprecated --force flag from shopify app deploy. Semantic Versioning Shopify CLI is now following semantic versioning practices. Releases with new features will be minor versions, and bug fixes will be patch versions. When required, major version releases will be used to communicate breaking changes to CLI command structure or behavior. For more information, see our announcement of the move to SemVer.
Who is affected
Apps that subscribe to or process Shopify webhooks or event payloads should review this change.
What action may be needed
Check whether your app uses the deprecated surface. If it does, plan the migration using Shopify's official guidance before the applicable cutoff.
Use the official Shopify entry below as the source of truth for technical implementation details, affected APIs, migration instructions and deadlines.
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