Shopify has recently released its Winter 26 Editions. We’ve explored what this means to you and how it will impact your eCommerce store in 2026.
While earlier releases set the foundations, the latest release focuses on the practical realities of running an online store. They’ve done this by introducing tools that reduce manual work and lower risk, all while addressing growing pains.
The new updates covered below will empower you and your team to become more flexible and focused, ready to put your energy where it matters in 2026.
Sidekick doesn’t just recommend tasks, it completes them
An AI-enabled commerce assistant built right into the Shopify platform, Sidekick now completes tasks instead of only suggesting them.
It can build automations in Flow, adjust elements within a theme, generate the framework for new apps and improve product imagery. These small but frequent tasks often take teams away from trading and optimisation, so removing them from the daily workload helps teams stay focused.
We’ve seen the best results when Sidekick is implemented into a defined workflow, rather than being used as a quick fix during busy periods.
Offloading some of this work to Sidekick can give teams the breathing space they’ve been craving.
AI can now pull your product data
Shopify now allows product data to be served up in conversational platforms, such as ChatGPT, Copilot and Perplexity.
We know customers already rely on these tools when researching products. Ensuring your data is present and accurate in the world of AI reduces the risk of missing early intent.
Several Velstar clients are already exploring these placements as a low-effort way to increase early-stage discovery by using our GEO Visibility Blueprint to see where they appear in AI-generated search results and, more importantly, where they’re not.
A safer environment for testing and releases
An AI-driven simulation tool designed for e-commerce merchants; SimGym uses behavioural modelling to show how customers might respond to changes before going live.
Meanwhile, a centralised system for managing, testing, and scheduling changes to your online storefront, Rollouts supports controlled testing and scheduled releases.
Together, they offer a more reliable way to ship work.
These predictable deployments can protect trading performance and reduce the pressure that builds when changes do not behave as expected. Over time, these tools support a more structured approach to testing and iteration, something we regularly help brands adopt.
Improvements that reduce friction
Winter 26 introduces several updates designed to streamline everyday tasks:
- SMS campaigns can run inside Shopify Messaging.
- Shopify Forms now supports automatic translation into multiple languages.
- Sidekick can help prepare campaign structures and content.
Each update is small, but together they reduce the amount of switching between tools and manual setup.
The Shopify Product Network also introduces an optional revenue path by allowing brands to surface third-party products. This will not suit every brand, but it provides a way to earn commission without increasing inventory or fulfilment complexity.
Retail and B2B updates
The new POS Hub provides a more reliable setup for physical stores. It delivers stable connections and improved processing, which helps avoid dropped transactions during busy periods.
Shopify has also strengthened its B2B capabilities:
- Shopify Collective is now available in more regions.
- Store credit can be issued to B2B locations.
- EDI purchase orders can sync into Draft Orders.
These updates support brands that serve trade customers and rely on consistent processes inside logged-in environments.
What does this mean for your team?
Winter 26 introduces tools that help teams move faster and make better decisions.
Repetitive work becomes easier to delegate, and testing becomes safer before changes reach customers. These benefits depend on strong processes. Clean data, clear priorities and controlled releases allow automation and modelling to work as intended.
For brands managing growth with lean teams, the impact could be felt quickly. This Edition removes friction in the tasks that often slow progress. It also opens new routes for discovery and safer experimentation without requiring major structural change.
If you would like help understanding how these updates apply to your setup, or you'd like to find out more about our GEO Visibility Blueprint please get in touch here.