Shopify has announced the deprecation and removal of the visible_to_storefront_api field from metaobject field definitions. This change, effective immediately for the unstable API and slated for API Version 2026-01 for StandardMetaobjectDefinitionFieldTemplate objects, aims to simplify how developers manage storefront visibility for metaobjects.
Key Takeaways
- The
visible_to_storefront_apifield is no longer supported for metaobject field definitions. - Storefront accessibility for metaobjects will now be managed through the
accessinput field on the metaobject definition itself. - Developers should update their integrations to reflect this change to ensure continued functionality.
Understanding the Change
Previously, developers could control whether individual fields within a metaobject were accessible via the storefront API using the visible_to_storefront_api flag. This field has now been removed from the unstable API. For StandardMetaobjectDefinitionFieldTemplate objects, this removal will take effect with the API Version 2026-01.
New Method for Storefront Access Control
Shopify is consolidating storefront access management. Instead of configuring visibility at the field level, developers will now manage this through the access input field directly on the metaobject definition. This provides a more centralized and streamlined approach to controlling which metaobjects and their associated data are exposed to the storefront.
Implications for Developers
Developers utilizing the visible_to_storefront_api field in their existing integrations will need to adapt their code. It is recommended to migrate to the new access input field on the metaobject definition as soon as possible to avoid potential disruptions. This change is part of Shopify's ongoing efforts to refine its platform and provide more intuitive tools for merchants and developers alike.
