Shopify is always evolving, with new features and updates rolling out regularly to help retailers stay ahead—but keeping up shouldn't be a chore. That's why this hub tracks every POS update and relevant Shopify changes in one place.
Every two weeks, Shopify releases an updated POS version and this post is refreshed to highlight what's new. If you have multiple retail locations, it's best practice to use an MDM (Mobile Device Management) to manage app versions, and to test each new release on a few devices before rolling it out to all stores. To see previous months' updates, scroll to the bottom of this post.
Updated in POS version 11.5
Updates in POS version 11.5 (April 27, 2026 release date)
Handle returns and exchanges directly in cart
What changed: Returns, refunds, and exchanges in Shopify POS now run through the main cart workflow instead of a separate, linear flow. Staff can select return items, add exchange items, and manage refund decisions directly in the cart using familiar tools like product search, barcode scanning, Smart Grid actions, notes, and customer info.
As part of this update, new POS permissions—Manage item restock, Complete in‑progress returns, and Remove unfulfilled items—have been added and are enabled by default, along with an optional Require return reasons setting that’s turned off by default.
Why it matters: Keeping the full workflow in one place makes in‑store returns faster and more flexible, and creates better opportunities to turn returns into exchanges or other revenue‑retaining outcomes, while giving you more control through return reasons and better permissions.
Access: Available in POS v11.5, but requires staff permissions to access. Check the new return permissions — “Manage item restock”, “Complete in-progress returns”, and “Remove unfulfilled items” — and the optional “Require return reasons” setting.
Review manager approval settings. If Return & exchange orders manager approval is already enabled, it will apply to Manage item restock and Complete in-progress returns. Manager approval for “Remove unfulfilled items” will be enabled by default.
Watch the walkthrough above or read the documentation on processing returns and exchanges in POS
Apply custom line-item discounts per unit
What changed: Custom discount amounts on line items now apply per unit instead of across the total quantity. For example, if staff enter a $5 custom discount on a line item with a quantity of 2, POS will now apply $5 to each unit for a $10 total discount. Staff will also see a label when applying the custom discount amount showing that the amount is being applied per unit, with the total discount reflected in the cart.
Why it matters: This makes discount behavior more consistent across Shopify. It also helps reduce confusion at checkout, especially when staff are selling multiple quantities of the same item and need confidence that the discount shown in the cart matches what they intended to apply.
Access: Automatically available in POS v11.5. No action required; all staff will have access. To avoid inconsistent discount totals within the same shop, we recommend updating all devices to v11.5 at the same time rather than running a mix of v11.4 and v11.5.
Existing apps are unaffected. The EACH allocation behaviour takes effect natively with API version 2026-07 and above. Extensions targeting this version should be updated to pass EACH allocation directly.
Starting with API version 2026-07, POS UI Extensions calling setLineItemDiscount and bulkSetLineItemDiscounts with FixedAmount discount type should pass per-unit amounts directly (EACH allocation).
Create scannable discount codes and scan with POS
What changed: You can now download a QR code for any discount code from the “Get shareable link” modal in Shopify Admin, and scan discount QR codes or barcodes directly in Shopify POS using the device camera or a barcode scanner.
Why it matters: This replaces slow, error‑prone manual code entry at checkout and makes it easier to run in‑store promotions, signage, and one‑time code campaigns where customers present a code on their phone or a printed piece and staff simply scan to apply the discount.
Access: Available in POS v11.5, but requires setup to enable. Create discount QR codes in Shopify Admin from the “Get shareable link” modal, then use a supported scanner or device camera on POS v11.4 or later to scan them at checkout. Only code‑based discounts generate scannable codes.
Find products faster with search suggestions
What changed: POS now shows search suggestions as staff type, helping complete product terms with fewer taps. For local product search, staff can accept an inline suggestion in the search field or tap suggested terms above the on-screen keyboard instead of typing the full word and scanning long result lists.
Why it matters: This speeds up typed product search for stores with large catalogs, where staff often rely on search during busy selling moments. With less typing and faster access to likely matches, staff can build carts more quickly and spend less time hunting for the right item at the counter.
Access: Automatically available in POS v11.5. No action required; all staff will have access.
Mid-session cash counts
What changed: Staff can now count the cash in a register at any point during an active payment tracking session in Shopify POS. From the Register details view, they can tap Count cash to verify the amount in the drawer mid-shift, whether they’re doing a routine till check, handing off to another staff member, or reconciling after a cash deposit or removal. Each count is automatically logged to the register session.
Why it matters: This gives teams a way to check drawer totals before end of day, so they can catch discrepancies earlier and keep tighter control over cash throughout a shift. It’s especially useful during busy store hours, mid-shift handoffs, or anytime cash is added or removed from the drawer.
Access: Automatically available in POS v11.5. No action required; all staff will have access. Access to this feature is controlled by the existing Start and end payment tracking sessions permission, so you can decide which staff members are allowed to initiate cash counts in-store.
Learn more about cash register management
Use keyboard shortcuts to navigate POS
What changed: Keyboard navigation in Shopify POS now lets staff handle core cart‑building tasks without switching between keyboard and touch. Staff can open search with shortcuts, move through product, order, and customer lists using arrow keys, select with Enter, and exit flows with Escape.
Why it matters: This reduces friction in type‑heavy workflows like product search and customer lookup, helping staff move faster and make fewer errors during busy in‑store moments—especially on countertop setups with hardware keyboards.
Access: Automatically available in POS v11.5. No action required; all staff will have access when using a supported hardware keyboard. Keyboard shortcuts currently don’t apply to third‑party app workflows, and Smart Grid tiles aren’t keyboard‑navigable.
Learn more about using keyboard shortcuts
