Shopify Simplifies Fulfillment Services: Callback URL Now Optional

Shopify has announced a significant update to its Admin API, effective with version 2026-01. The callbackUrl argument in the fulfillmentServiceCreate and fulfillmentServiceUpdate mutations is now optional. This change aims to provide greater flexibility for developers building fulfillment services on the platform, allowing for more streamlined integration without the mandatory requirement of a callback URL in all scenarios.

Key Takeaways

• The callbackUrl is no longer a mandatory field for creating or updating fulfillment services in Shopify's Admin API (version 2026-01 and later).
• Existing apps that use a callbackUrl will continue to function without interruption.
• Developers can now choose to omit the callbackUrl if their fulfillment service operations do not rely on it.
• For services with inventoryManagement or trackingSupport enabled but no callbackUrl, data must be submitted via the API.

Understanding the Change

This update introduces flexibility for developers integrating with Shopify's fulfillment services. Previously, a callbackUrl was a required parameter for certain operations. Now, merchants and developers can create or update fulfillment services without specifying a callbackUrl. This is particularly beneficial for apps that manage inventory or support tracking but do not require real-time webhooks for these functions.

Impact on Existing and New Apps

For developers with existing applications, this change is non-breaking. Any fulfillment services currently configured with a callbackUrl will continue to operate as they did before. The new optional nature of the callbackUrl simply provides an alternative for those who don't need it.

For new applications, developers have the option to omit the callbackUrl argument during the creation or update of fulfillment services. This can simplify the initial setup and ongoing management of services where webhook notifications are not a core requirement.

Handling Services Without a Callback URL

If an app's fulfillment services do not have a callbackUrl but have either inventoryManagement or trackingSupport enabled, developers will need to ensure that the necessary information is submitted through the API. This includes submitting tracking information and handling fulfillment requests, as well as managing inventory quantities and states. Shopify provides comprehensive documentation for building with Fulfillment Services and managing inventory quantities and states to guide developers in these processes.