How to Turn Shopify Store Into Mobile App Easily in 2025

Want to turn your Shopify store into a mobile app? A mobile app makes shopping easier for customers and helps boost sales. With more people shopping on their phones, having an app can improve customer experience and increase repeat purchases.

You don’t need coding skills—there are tools that can quickly convert your Shopify store into an app.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best ways to build an app, key benefits, and what features you should include. Ready to turn your Shopify store into mobile app?

Let’s get started!

Why Turn Your Shopify Store into a Mobile App?

Here are the main reasons why turning a Shopify store into a mobile app can be a game-changer for your business:

More Consumers are Turning to Mobile Shopping

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Nearly one in five users spend over 4.5 hours every day on their smartphones, driven by social media, constant notifications, and easy access to entertainment.

Over the years, this growing dependence has significantly shifted shopping behavior, with more people choosing to shop directly from their phones. According to Pew Research, 76% of U.S. adults have made purchases via smartphones, a trend even more pronounced among younger adults influenced by social media and digital trends. 

Clearly, having a mobile app for your Shopify store can be a strategic move for sellers. 

Apps Help Build Stronger Customer Relationships

About nine-in-ten (91%) Americans own a smartphone today. Needless to say, the opportunity to build a personal connection with mobile customers is huge. 

Mobile apps enable you to engage your audience with highly targeted, personalized push notifications. You can send highly personalized promotions based on user preferences and purchase history.

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With Shopify, you can remind customers about items left in their cart, send updates on new arrivals, or even celebrate milestones like birthdays through email or push notifications.

Some features, like personalized discounts, might need third-party apps or custom integration, but these timely reminders keep your brand at the forefront of your mind. It also encourages users to return to your store and drives both loyalty and repeat purchases.

Better Conversion Rates Through Enhanced User Experiences

Mobile apps turn browsing into buying by enhancing the shopping experience. For Shopify stores, features like:

• One-click checkout: Lets customers complete purchases instantly without re-entering details
• Personalized recommendations: Displays tailored product suggestions based on browsing and purchase history
• Push notifications: Sends real-time alerts about sales, cart reminders, or new arrivals

Customers find shopping to be quicker and more convenient. Consequently, this reduces cart abandonment rates and encourages repeat business.

Shopify’s mobile app capabilities let you engage customers with timely reminders. You can track customer behavior and optimize experiences based on real-time data.

Enhance Customer Retention

A mobile app strengthens customer retention by offering exclusive, personalized experiences.

Features like push notifications for instant alerts and in-app-only content help keep your brand top-of-mind, encouraging repeat engagement. Early access to product launches, personalized discounts, and tailored recommendations build loyalty and make customers feel valued.

By simplifying the shopping process with saved payment options, quick reordering, and AR tools for virtual product trials, apps create a hassle-free experience that motivates customers to return.

Post-purchase benefits like real-time order tracking and dedicated support further enhance trust and satisfaction. These retention-focused features ensure your customers keep coming back in today’s mobile-driven shopping environment.

Shopify’s Official Tools for Developing a Mobile App 

Shopify does not provide a built-in service to convert your store into a mobile app. Instead, it offers free SDKs and headless commerce to facilitate this process.

Headless commerce gives you the flexibility to:

• Separate Front-End and Back-End: Allowing your customer-facing store and management system to work independently
• Design a Custom App: Giving you the freedom to create a mobile app personalized to your store’s unique needs

Shopify also offers Software Development Kits (SDKs), which are tools that developers can use to build custom apps for iOS and Android. These SDKs help streamline the process of integrating your Shopify store with a mobile app.

Alternatively, if you prefer an easier route, you can browse through third-party apps on the Shopify App Store. These third-party apps provide pre-built solutions for converting your store into an app, saving time and development costs.

Let’s explore these options:

Android Buy SDK

The Android Buy SDK enables you to create personalized storefronts tailored for your mobile app’s Android users. It works with Shopify using GraphQL and lets you create native shopping experiences, which can be customized to your needs. You can find the Android Buy SDK on GitHub. Download or clone the repository to get started.

To start using the Android Buy SDK, ensure you have:

• Android SDK Level 14 (Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher
• JDK 1.7
• Android Studio 2.1.x (recommended)

Note: The Mobile Buy SDKs only support direct onsite payment gateways. Plus, mobile app development is outside the scope of Shopify support services, so assistance is only available for issues directly related to the Android Buy SDK. Here are some options for getting help:

• Open a GitHub Issue: Open an issue in the GitHub repository to report problems or request assistance.
• .dev Community: Visit the forums to connect with other developers, share knowledge, and learn more about the Shopify API and app development.
• Hire a Shopify Partner: Find a Shopify Partner to work with skilled development agencies in the Shopify partner ecosystem.

Key Features and Benefits of Android Apps Using the Shopify Buy SDK

The Android Buy SDK simplifies the creation of custom storefronts within your mobile app. It connects to the Shopify platform via GraphQL and supports various native storefront features, so your inventory, product details, and checkout are always in sync. Here’s how it can help:

• Unique Storefronts: You get full control to design an app that reflects your brand. Think custom product displays, layouts that match your vibe, and navigation that feels intuitive for your shoppers.
• Smooth and Fast Checkouts: With SDKs, you can build a fast, seamless checkout experience that works natively on Android. Offer saved payment methods, autofill for addresses, and simple payment steps to reduce drop-offs and get more Shopify sales.
• Build Faster, Focus on Growth: Skip complicated backend setup with pre-built tools (ready-made libraries, APIs, and SDKs designed to simplify development). Spend less time troubleshooting and more time improving your Shopify marketing strategies, customer engagement, and product catalog to grow your store.
• Secure Payments, Every Time: Direct onsite payment gateways are supported (where customers complete their payment directly within your app, without being redirected), giving your customers confidence during checkout.

If you’re looking to bring your Shopify store into the hands of mobile-first shoppers, this SDK helps you build an app that’s both powerful and easy to manage. 

iOS Buy SDK

The iOS Buy SDK simplifies the creation of custom storefronts within your mobile app. Customers can browse and buy products effortlessly, whether they’re using Apple Pay or a credit card. Built with GraphQL, the SDK connects directly to your Shopify store. You can install it from GitHub.

To use the iOS Buy SDK, ensure you have:

• iOS 10.0 or later
• Xcode 8.0 or later
• An active Apple Developer account

Note: Direct onsite payment gateways are exclusively supported with the Mobile Buy SDKs.

Key Features and Benefits of iOS Apps Using the Shopify Buy SDK

• Designed for Apple’s Ecosystem: Take full advantage of the Apple ecosystem, from seamless integration with Apple Pay to compatibility with iPads, iPhones, and even Apple Watches. This opens up multiple touchpoints for engaging your customers.
• Customizable UI, the Apple Way: Leverage Apple’s design principles to create an intuitive shopping journey that feels natural to iOS users. From fluid navigation to fast-loading screens, your app can deliver a premium experience:

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• Apple Pay Support: Let customers complete purchases in seconds with Apple Pay, a secure and trusted payment method. 
• iOS-Exclusive Features: Innovate with iOS-exclusive capabilities such as ARKit for augmented reality shopping, Siri Shortcuts for easy reordering, or widgets that showcase deals on a user’s home screen.
• Dynamic Push Notifications: Re-engage customers by notifying them about restocks, order updates, and personalized discounts using rich notifications with actionable buttons.
• Native App Store Presence: iOS apps give your brand visibility on the App Store—a trusted platform where customers regularly discover and download apps. 

Also read: Explore different Shopify Flow examples and create your own in a few steps.

Headless Commerce Approach

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Headless commerce does not directly create mobile apps because it only decouples the front end from the back-end commerce functions. While this approach provides flexibility in presenting content across multiple platforms, it does not automatically generate a mobile app or offer native mobile app development tools.

However, headless commerce speeds up mobile app development in several ways:

1. API-Driven Approach: The headless structure allows mobile apps to pull commerce data (products, inventory, pricing) directly from the back end using APIs. This avoids having to rebuild logic separately for different platforms.
2. Faster Development & Iteration: Developers can use existing mobile frameworks (like React Native, Flutter) while seamlessly integrating with a headless CMS or commerce engine.
3. Consistent Omnichannel Experience: A single API-powered backend ensures the app gets real-time updates in sync with web stores, kiosks, or any other touchpoints.
4. Improved Performance & Customization: Since the mobile app doesn’t rely on a rigid theme or monolithic architecture, it can be optimized for speed, UI/UX, and user behavior.

While headless does not eliminate the need for custom app development, it does streamline the process by offering a centralized commerce backend that mobile applications can easily connect to without heavy back-end modifications.

Available Options: Shopify Apps, Agencies, and Third-Party Platforms 

Here are the tools to turn Shopify store into mobile apps:

Option Type	Name	Features	Pricing	Best For
A. Shopify Apps	Shopney	Drag-and-drop app builder, multi-language support, custom themes, AI-powered push notifications	Starting at $149/month, billed yearly; 30-day free trial available	Merchants looking for ease of use
	Tapcart	Seamless Shopify integration, advanced push notifications, real-time updates	Starting at $200/month; no free trial available	Established stores scaling rapidly
	Vajro	Real-time syncing, live chat integration, pre-built themes	Starting at $149/month; 30-day free trial available	Merchants who want to drive customer chats and prioritze features for providing instant customer support to boost engagement through real-time interactions and improve sales with personalized recommendations on chat
B. Agencies	Swanky	Custom mobile app development with design focus, end-to-end service	Custom pricing	Merchants seeking tailored solutions with bigger budgets for custom app features, unique storefront designs, etc.
	Plobal Apps	Quick app creation with ongoing support, analytics features	Starting at $199/month	Sellers looking for fast app launches
	MobiLoud	Experts in app conversion for Shopify stores, native functionality	Starting at $254/month	Established businesses with existing traffic
C. Third-Party	React Native	Framework for building cross-platform apps, reusable code, high performance	Developer-dependent	Tech-savvy merchants or those with dev teams
	Firebase	App analytics, performance monitoring, A/B testing, and crash reporting	Free and paid tiers	Developers managing custom app performance

Bonus: In case you want to learn how to create a Shopify store, you can check this blog.

Decision Matrix to Help You Choose Between Shopify Apps, Agencies, and Third-Party Platforms

A decision matrix is a simple way to compare different options based on important factors. It helps you choose the best solution by looking at things like cost, customization, and support.

Therefore, let’s use a matrix to decide between Shopify apps, agencies, and third-party platforms by showing their pros and cons side by side.

Criteria	Shopify Apps	Agencies	Third-Party Platforms
Budget	Best for small budgets, most apps start at $29 per month for solopreneurs	Higher cost, ideal for larger budgets starting from $5,000+	Costs vary, flexible depending on customization requirements, can range from $500 to $20,000+
Technical Skill	No coding needed, user-friendly, and plug-and-play	No skills needed, agencies handle all the work	Requires developers or technical expertise
Customization	Limited to predefined templates and features	Fully customizable to meet your unique needs	Flexible, allows for advanced custom builds based on specific goals
Timeline	Ready in minutes to hours	Delivery in 4–12 weeks or more	Development time varies, usually 6–20 weeks
Scalability	Scales well for small-to-mid-size stores	Ideal for large businesses with complex requirements	Extremely scalable, depending on platform and development
Support & Maintenance	Shopify handles updates and support	Agencies offer ongoing support for a fee	Maintenance is DIY or outsourced
Business Goals	Quick enhancements, like push notifications or loyalty programs	Branded experiences and enterprise features	Best for stores with specific, technical needs and large user bases

How to Use the Matrix:

1. Evaluate Your Needs:

• Working with a tight budget? Go for Shopify apps.
• Need a unique app or enterprise-level functionality? Go with an agency.
• Have technical resources? Third-party platforms offer unmatched flexibility.

2. Weigh Priorities: Look at what matters most—budget, technical skills, or timeline?

3. Match with Options: Use the matrix to match your priorities with the right solution.

Pro tip: Still unsure?

• Start small with Shopify apps to test features such as loyalty programs and push notifications.
• Stay flexible and focus on ROI—choose a solution that aligns with your immediate needs and long-term goals.

This approach will ensure you maximize your budget and pick the best tools for your Shopify store’s growth.

Steps to Build a Mobile App Using Shopify SDKs 

As we discussed earlier, a Shopify store can be turned into a mobile app with the help of mobile app builders, Shopify SDKs, and other tools. If you’re using headless commerce, it simplifies this process further by providing greater flexibility in front-end design and seamless API integrations.

To cover the process step by step, for a reference point, we will focus on using Shopify’s Mobile Buy SDKs. These SDKs allow you to build custom storefronts and integrate product discovery features directly into your mobile app, whether it’s for Android or iOS.

Here’s how you can get started with building your Shopify mobile app using the Mobile Buy SDK:

Step 1: Get Familiar with Shopify SDKs

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Take a closer look at the Shopify SDKs available for iOS and Android. These are the building blocks for connecting your store to the app. They let you pull in product details, manage carts, and process payments without needing to reinvent the wheel.

Tip: If you’re new to SDKs, start small. Use Shopify’s sample projects to prototype a single feature, like catalog browsing. This keeps things manageable if you’re new to SDKs. Note that Shopify’s documentation offers sample projects to guide you through the basics:

Step 2: Set Up Shopify for Integration

Prepare your Shopify store to sync with the app. To do this, you’ll need to enable APIs and decide what features you need, like dynamic collections, user accounts, etc. Create a private app within Shopify’s admin to generate API credentials for secure data transfer.

Tips for Implementing Shopify Integration:

• Set up automated alerts using tools like Postman (API testing tool) or Pingdom (website performance monitoring tool) to monitor your Shopify API endpoints. These tools can notify you immediately if an API stops responding or if there’s a delay in response time.
• You must also plan a quarterly review of your app’s integrations to ensure you’re using the latest version. 
• When creating API credentials for your app, only grant permissions for the features you’re using. For example, if your app doesn’t need to manage order fulfilment, don’t allow access to that data. 
• If you’re expecting a surge in traffic to your Shopify store such as year-end sales, test your APIs under high-load conditions using tools like Loader.io or BlazeMeter. 

Bonus: Learn how to drive traffic to a Shopify store with our blog.

• Have a fallback plan in case an API fails. For example, if the product API is down, cache your product catalog locally in the app so users can still browse and add items to the cart. Sync the data back to Shopify when the API is operational again.

Step 3: Build and Test Your App

Partner with a developer or agency to design and develop your app if you’re looking for a more custom solution. Alternatively, you can use Shopify’s SDK and apps for a more straightforward approach.

Ifyou opt for a third-party developer or agency, clearly define your goals, such as improving navigation, streamlining checkout, or enhancing product displays. Be mindful of Shopify-specific pain points, such as simplifying checkout with features like autofill and one-tap payments.

Ensure your navigation is intuitive by grouping products into logical categories, adding a search bar, and using sticky menus. 

Step 4: Publish to App Stores

1. Create an Apple Developer Account ($99/year) and a Google Play Console Account ($25 one-time fee).
2. Prepare your app listing:
   • Write a compelling description that highlights that emphasizes the unique strengths and advantages of your storefront. Here’s an example:

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• Use professional screenshots to showcase the app interface, especially product pages, checkout, and navigation. Here’s a guide to the ideal image resolution for Android and iOS apps:

Website Image Type	Desktop Image Dimensions (W x H)	Mobile Image Dimensions (W x H)	Recommended Aspect Ratio
Background image	2560 x 1400 pixels	360 x 640 pixels	16:09
Hero image	1280 x 720 pixels	360 x 200 pixels	16:09
Website banner	1200 x 400 pixels	360 x 120 pixels	3:01
Blog image	1200 x 800 pixels	360 x 240 pixels	3:02
Logo (rectangle)	400 x 100 pixels	160 x 40 pixels	4:01
Logo (square)	100 x 100 pixels	60 x 60 pixels	1:01
Favicon	16 x 16 pixels	16 x 16 pixels	1:01
Social media icons	32 x 32 pixels	48 x 48 pixels	1:01
Lightbox images (full screen)	1920 x 1080 pixels	360 x 640 pixels	16:09
Thumbnail image	300 x 300 pixels	90 x 90 pixels	1:01

• Conduct keyword research for your Shopify store and add relevant keywords to help users find your app. For example, include “Shopify store app,” “Google shopping feed,” “custom shop app,” etc.
• Follow platform-specific guidelines:
  • For Apple, test the app thoroughly to meet their strict review policies.
  • For Google Play, double-check permissions and the developer content policy to avoid being flagged for unnecessary access.
• Submit your app for review, which usually takes 1–3 days for Google Play and 3–7 days for Apple.

Ongoing App Maintenance Tips

• Analytics Tracking: Use tools such as Google Analytics or Mixpanel to monitor app performance. For example, track how long users spend on specific features like “New Arrivals” to see if it’s driving engagement.
• Bug Fixes: Actively monitor crash logs and address them within two weeks of detection. You can communicate updates in app store release notes: “Resolved payment gateway crash issue for a smoother checkout experience.”
• Feature Updates: Run polls or surveys within the app to learn what features your audience wants next. For example, if users suggest adding a “Track Your Order” feature, implement it in the next update to show responsiveness. Include a feedback option directly in the app to encourage real-time suggestions.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shopify Mobile App? 

The cost of turning a Shopify store into a mobile app varies based on the platform and features you choose. Shopify mobile app builders offer different pricing plans, starting at around $49/month for basic functionality. However, for a decent native app, you may need to invest at least $99/month, which includes limited design and integration options.

For advanced features, pricing can go up to $200, $500, or even $999+ per month for enterprise solutions with full customization.

Custom-built apps, on the other hand, can cost $5,000 to $7,000 for both iOS and Android, depending on complexity.

Additionally, expect to spend around 15% of the development cost annually for maintenance, including updates, bug fixes, and support.

You might also like to read: Understanding Shopify Markets For Global Expansion [ 2025 ] 20 Best Shopify Flow Examples: Automation Made Easy Hpow To Sell Internationally On Shopify?

3 Common Challenges When Creating a Shopify Mobile App (And How to Fix Them)

When launching a mobile app for your Shopify store, there are a few common challenges you’ll likely face such as

Integration Issues
Syncing your app with your Shopify store can lead to mismatched inventory, order errors, or broken features.

Fix:

• Use Shopify’s GraphQL API to ensure seamless data syncing for products, inventory, and orders.
• Schedule weekly API health checks. Use tools like Postman to test endpoints and spot errors before they affect your app.
• Prior to store updates (read: adding new products for instance), test changes in a staging environment to catch potential syncing issues early.

Cost Considerations
Building a mobile app does not have a fixed cost. Custom apps for both iOS and Android significantly raise costs.

Fix:

• Start with a Shopify app builder like Vajro, which costs $149/month, to launch quickly and affordably.

App Store Approvals

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Apps often get delayed or rejected by the Apple App Store or Google Play if you don’t follow their guidelines.

Fix:

• Follow platform-specific design and functionality standards closely (for example, Apple requires easy navigation, while Google prioritizes performance).
• For Apple:
  • Navigation: Use a tab bar for easy access to key sections like Home, Categories, and Cart. Apple prioritizes simplicity and clarity.
  • Gestures: Include swipe gestures for actions like deleting items from the cart or navigating between pages.
  • Aesthetics: Stick to a clean, minimalist design with readable fonts and sharp icons that align with Apple’s aesthetic.
  • Guidelines: Use Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines when developing your app.

• For Google: 

  • Performance: Optimize loading times to stay under 1 second, especially for images or checkout pages. Google emphasizes speed and responsiveness.
  • UI Elements: Use floating action buttons (FABs) for primary actions, like adding items to a wishlist or starting a checkout.
  • Animations: Include smooth transitions when users switch between sections to make the app feel interactive.
  • Framework: Leverage Google’s Material Design principles when developing your app. 

User Retention Strategies
Many users abandon apps after the first use if they don’t see value immediately.

Fix:

• Add push notifications for personalized deals, order updates, abandoned cart reminders, and more.
• Create a seamless onboarding experience with a clear walkthrough of features.
• Launch an in-app loyalty program offering rewards for repeat purchases or referrals. 
• Analyze user behavior with tools such as Google Analytics. If users leave after viewing products, improve your product page design and add reviews for credibility. 

Best Practices for Launching Your Shopify Mobile App 

Launching your Shopify mobile app requires a solid strategy at your end to ensure it gets noticed, downloads, and, most importantly, keeps customers engaged. Let’s look at a few key tactics to launch successfully:

Optimize for App Store Optimization (ASO)

Make your app easy to find and irresistible to download. Use targeted keywords like “Shopify shopping app,” “home décor marketplace,” etc. in your app title, description, and tags. Highlight your app’s benefits in simple terms: “Shop exclusive deals,” “Fast checkout,” or “Track orders easily.” Include high-resolution screenshots of your app’s best features. Add an engaging promo video that demonstrates your app in action.

Promote Your App on Social Media and Website

Drive downloads and create excitement around your launch.Announce your app on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, focusing on where your customers already engage with your brand.

Use short demo videos to showcase features like fast checkout and app-exclusive products. Add a dedicated banner or pop-up on your website with a clear download link. Highlight benefits like exclusive discounts or app-only rewards. Offer a limited-time incentive: For example, “Download the app today and get 10% off your first order!”

Pro tip: Build hype before launch with countdowns, sneak peeks, and early-access beta testing. For example, you can post, “Big news coming soon! Be the first to shop exclusive deals with our new app!”

Leverage Push Notifications for Engagement

Goal: Retain users and increase repeat purchases.

• Start with a welcome message after the app is downloaded: “Thanks for joining us! Here’s 10% off your next purchase to get started.”
• Send personalized notifications based on user activity:
  • If someone abandons their cart, send: “Your favorites are still waiting! Checkout now and enjoy free shipping.”
  • When new arrivals drop, alert users: “Fresh finds just landed—shop now before they’re gone!”
• Run exclusive flash sales for app users to create a sense of urgency.

Pro tip: Segment users based on behavior. For example, if someone hasn’t opened the app in two weeks, send a re-engagement offer like, “We miss you! Here’s 15% off to welcome you back.”

The Bottom Line

Mobile commerce is growing, and without an app, you risk losing sales and engagement. Customers expect smooth, mobile-first shopping, and an app delivers faster checkouts, personalized deals, and instant notifications.

Creating an app for your Shopify store doesn’t require coding. With app builders and SDKs, you can easily convert your store into a mobile app, customize its design, and integrate essential features to enhance the shopping experience. Whether you choose a budget-friendly builder or invest in a custom app, the right approach depends on your goals.

Think of your app as more than a convenience—it’s a powerful sales channel. A well-optimized mobile app keeps customers engaged, improves retention, and boosts conversions. Meet your shoppers where they are and offer them a seamless experience that drives long-term growth.

FAQs

1. Can you turn your Shopify store into an app?

Yes, you can convert your Shopify store into a mobile app using third-party app builders, custom development, or Shopify’s Mobile Buy SDKs.

2. How to convert a Shopify store into an app for free?

To convert your Shopify store into a mobile app for free, use an app builder that supports Shopify integration. Platforms like SimiCart and Appy Pie offer free plans. Customize your app’s design, add features like push notifications, and submit it to app stores.

Once done, promote it through social media and email.

3. Which is the best Shopify mobile app builder?

Popular Shopify app builders include Shopney, Vajro, and Tapcart. The best one depends on your budget, customization needs, and technical expertise.

4. How do Shopify’s Android Buy SDK and iOS Buy SDK assist in mobile app development?

Shopify’s Android Buy SDK and iOS Buy SDK offer pre-built tools for key eCommerce features like browsing products, managing shopping carts, and handling secure checkouts. This means developers can focus on customizing the user experience rather than building these functionalities from scratch, speeding up development and ensuring a smooth shopping experience for users.

5. What are the typical costs associated with developing a mobile app for a Shopify store?

The cost of developing a Shopify mobile app depends on the approach you choose. Basic app builders start at $49 per month, while native solutions with better features cost $99 per month or more.

For fully custom apps, development costs range from $5,000 to $7,000 for both iOS and Android. Additionally, businesses should budget around 15% of the initial cost per year for maintenance, updates, and support.

6. How can I ensure my mobile app stays synchronized with my Shopify store’s inventory and updates?

Enable real-time API integration to automatically sync inventory, product updates, and order data between your app and Shopify store. Regularly test and maintain the API connections to avoid errors.