Admin / Improvement

Sidekick recommendations (Pulse) can now
use data from supported apps too

If an app that supports Sidekick app extensions is installed, Sidekick can now factor in that app's data and make recommendations based on a broader view of your entire store.

On this page
  1. What's changing? (30-second overview)
  2. How it works: from app data to recommendations
  3. 3 conditions for app data to be used in recommendations
  4. Before vs. now
  5. What the article doesn't say
  6. 5 key points for developers
  7. 3 practical use cases
  8. One-line summary for client pitches

1What's changing?

Sidekick recommendations (Pulse) can now use data fromapps that support Sidekick app extensionsas well.
As a result, recommendations can reflect a fuller picture of your store (fuller store context).

Before

This article doesn't describe how data from installed apps was used in Sidekick recommendations before.

Now

Data shared by supported apps is now also factored in, so recommendations reflect a broader view of your store.

2How it works: from app data to recommendations

Installed app Sidekick app extensions supported ① Installed Permissions Required permissions are available ② Permissions Available data Shared by the app ③ Data sharing Sidekick Recommendations (Pulse) Suggestions informed by a broad view of your store
The article refers to Sidekick's suggestions as "Sidekick suggestions (Pulse)" and points to the Shopify Help Center for details.

33 conditions for app data to be used in suggestions

1

The app is installed

The app must also support Sidekick app extensions.

2

Required permissions are granted

The required permissions must be available.

3

Usable data is shared

The app must share data that Sidekick can use.

Only apps with a supported extension can share data with Sidekick.Data from unsupported apps isn't used in suggestions, even if the app is installed.

4Before vs. now

ItemBeforeNow
Data used for suggestions Not stated Expanded Also uses data shared by supported apps
Which apps are eligible — Limited Only apps that support Sidekick app extensions
When suggestions appear — Conditional Installation, permissions, and data sharing
Feature type — Improvement (enhancement to an existing feature) / Admin

5What the article doesn't cover

Not stated

List of supported apps

The article doesn't name any supported apps.

Not stated

Extension implementation details

The article doesn't explain how to build Sidekick app extensions, which APIs they use, or which scopes they require.

Not stated

Eligible plans, regions, and pricing

The article doesn't mention eligible plans, regions, or additional costs.

For full details, see the "Sidekick suggestions (Pulse)" page in the Shopify Help Center, which the article links to, and Shopify's developer documentation.

65 key points for developers

1. The key is the "Sidekick app extension"

Only apps with a supported extension can share data. Simply being installed isn't enough for an app's data to be used in recommendations.

2. Permissions are a prerequisite

Whether recommendations appear also depends on whether the required permissions are available. If you aren't getting recommendations, check permissions first.

3. The shared data determines quality

Recommendations depend on the app sharing "usable data." Without data, supporting the extension alone won't lead to recommendations.

API ?

4. Implementation details aren't covered in the article

The article doesn't explain how to build the extension, the data format, or the scopes. App developers need to check the developer documentation separately.

5. Your choice of apps changes your store's "AI readiness"

Even for the same store, the range of Sidekick's recommendations depends on whether you've installed apps that support the extension."Does it support the Sidekick extension?" becomes a new factor when choosing apps(Specific supported apps aren't named.)

73 practical use cases for your business

Audit
USE CASE 1

Audit the "Sidekick support status" of your installed apps

Challenge
You have many apps installed but don't know which apps' data Sidekick uses for its recommendations.
Action
List your installed apps and note whether each supports the Sidekick app extension and the status of its permissions and data sharing.
Impact
You get a clear picture of what data Sidekick's recommendations draw on, making it easier to judge how far to trust them.
Technical note
Check the three conditions from the article (installed / permissions / sharing usable data). The article doesn't say how to confirm support.
USE CASE 2

Add "Sidekick support" to your app selection criteria

Challenge
When choosing apps for a build or replatforming project, you compare only features and pricing, missing the AI perspective.
Action
Add "Does it support the Sidekick app extension?" to your selection checklist and compare candidates.
Impact
After rollout, Sidekick's recommendations can draw on more store information, so operations staff can expect to receive recommendations in more situations.
Technical note
The article doesn't provide an official list of supported apps. Check each app's documentation or ask the vendor.
In-house Apps
USE CASE 3

Consider adding Sidekick extension support to your in-house or client apps

Challenge
Data from the apps you build and provide isn't being used in merchants' Sidekick recommendations.
Action
Evaluate support for the Sidekick app extension and design whether you can share data that's useful for recommendations.
Impact
App data now shows up in more places across the merchant's admin, making it easier to communicate your app's value.
Technical notes
The article does not cover the extension's specifications, required permissions, or data format. Check the developer documentation for the specs before estimating effort.

8One-line summary for proposals

"Sidekick recommendations (Pulse) can now usedata from apps that support Sidekick app extensionsas well.
Three conditions apply: the app is installed, has the required permissions, and shares usable data.
A new factor when choosing apps: does it support Sidekick?"