The Shopify CLI app release `--force` flag is deprecated and will be removed
Shopify developer change
MerchantDiff detected this entry in Shopify's official developer changelog on March 25, 2026.
This Shopify update is categorized as Action Required, Tools, Deprecation announcement.
What changed
We are deprecating the --force flag on the shopify app deploy and shopify app release commands. The flag will be removed in a Shopify CLI release in May 2026. Why we're making this change The --force flag skips all confirmation prompts, including for extension deletions that can permanently remove data on installed shops. It doesn't distinguish between low-risk operations (adding or updating extensions) and high-risk ones (deleting them). The previously released --allow-updates and --allow-deletes flags give you granular control, so your CI/CD pipelines can run unattended without the risk of accidental, irreversible deletions.
Who is affected
Shopify app developers using the API or platform feature named in this update should review the official change.
What action may be needed
If you are automating your app releases in a CI/CD environment, you should adjust your scripts to use the --allow-updates flag instead, which will ensure that extensions can be added and updated, but not deleted. For example: shopify app deploy --config production --allow-updates When extension deletion is needed, you can utilize an interactive deploy or enable the --allow-deletes flag.
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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