Shopify mobile app for customers: Benefits, Key features and Best way to make free!

More than 80% of smartphone users have purchased via mobile in the past six months. If your store isn’t offering a Shopify mobile app for customers, you’re missing out on potential sales. This guide will show you why mobile apps matter, what features drive engagement, and how to create one without spending a dime.

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What is a Shopify mobile app for customers?

The Shopify mobile app for customers serves as an e-commerce application that allows customers to browse, purchase, and interact with a store on their mobile devices, while these applications also improve the client’s shopping experience by making it a lot more seamless and offering products or services from brands that can be discovered more easily.

For customers, having a dedicated mobile app means easier access to their favorite stores, personalized recommendations, and a more enjoyable shopping experience, which can lead to increased loyalty and repeat purchases.

Benefits of Shopify mobile app for customers

Shopping on mobile devices has become the new norm, with mobile commerce projected to account for 75% of all e-commerce sales by 2025. Customers today expect a fast, seamless, and personalized shopping experience, and a Shopify mobile app delivers exactly that. Unlike mobile websites, apps offer better performance, enhanced security, and tailored interactions that keep shoppers engaged and coming back for more.

A Seamless and Personalized Shopping Experience

Shopping should be easy, fun, and seamless—and that’s exactly what a mobile app delivers. With 73% of online shoppers preferring apps over websites, it’s no surprise that people love the faster load times, offline access, and smart product recommendations that apps provide. Instead of feeling like just another online store, a mobile app acts like a personal shopping assistant, remembering your preferences and suggesting products you’ll actually love. And when shopping feels this effortless, it’s no wonder that casual browsers turn into loyal customers!

Faster and More Secure Payments

A complicated checkout process is one of the biggest deal-breakers for online shoppers—no one wants to fumble with endless forms or re-enter payment details. That’s where a mobile app changes the game. With saved payment info and one-tap checkout, buying becomes effortless. Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay make transactions even faster and more secure, so customers can check out with confidence. And the numbers speak for themselves—mobile conversion rates have jumped 30% in just two years. When shopping feels this smooth, more carts turn into completed purchases!

>> See more: 20+ Shopify Abandoned Cart Email Templates And Checklist

Engagement Through Push Notifications

Unlike emails, which can get lost in a crowded inbox, push notifications have an open rate 10 times higher. This means customers are far more likely to see and act on updates about sales, new arrivals, or special promotions. Notifications can also be personalized—reminding shoppers about abandoned carts, offering exclusive discounts, or alerting them to restocked favorite items. These timely nudges create a sense of urgency and keep customers engaged with the brand.

>> Explore: 7 Best Shopify Push Notification Apps For iOS and Android

Loyalty Programs That Drive Repeat Purchases

Loyalty programs are a powerful tool for encouraging repeat business, and mobile apps make them even more effective. Customers can easily track their points, redeem rewards, and access exclusive member perks—all within the app. With 82% of smartphone users purchasing on their device, ensuring a seamless rewards experience can significantly boost customer retention.

Reaching More Customers Across Devices

A well-designed mobile app available on both iOS and Android ensures that no customer is left out. By offering a consistent experience across platforms, brands can expand their reach and make shopping accessible to a wider audience. With global mobile commerce revenue expected to hit $6.5 trillion, businesses that invest in mobile apps position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly digital world.

>> Read more: How to market a Shopify mobile app? 20+ Best Tactics in 2025

Key features of Shopify mobile app for customers

A Shopify mobile app enhances the shopping experience with features designed for speed, convenience, and personalization. Here are the key features that make these apps a game-changer for customers:

• Native App Experience: Offers a smooth, fast, and optimized interface, eliminating the sluggishness often found on mobile websites.
• Branding Customization: Ensures a consistent brand identity with customizable themes, colors, and logos, fostering trust and recognition.
• Seamless Checkout Process: Enables one-click checkout, auto-filled details, and saved payment methods to reduce cart abandonment rates.
• Push Notifications: Sends timely alerts for exclusive deals, restock updates, and abandoned cart reminders, keeping customers engaged.
• Secure Payment Gateway: Supports multiple secure payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Stripe, ensuring safe transactions.
• Real-Time Order Tracking: Provides live updates on order status, reducing customer inquiries and enhancing transparency.
• Product Reviews & Ratings: Displays customer reviews and ratings, boosting credibility and influencing purchasing decisions.
• Multiple Languages & Currencies: Supports global shopping by enabling local languages and currency conversions, making transactions smoother for international customers.

>> For more information, see: 15 Best Features For Shopify Mobile App [Must-have to Advanced]

How to create a Shopify mobile app (with pricing breakdown)?

Building a Shopify mobile app for customers can be done in two main ways: using a Shopify mobile app builder for a quick and user-friendly approach or developing a custom app with Shopify’s Mobile Buy SDK for more flexibility and control. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both methods.

Using a Shopify Mobile App Builder

If you want a fast and hassle-free way to launch a Shopify mobile app for customers, Shopify app builders like Simicart offer ready-made solutions with drag-and-drop customization.

• Optimize Your Shopify Store for Mobile: Ensure your store is mobile-friendly with fast load times and responsive design for a smooth user experience.
• Choose a Shopify Mobile App Builder: Select a reputable app builder based on features, pricing, and customer reviews to match your business needs.
• Customize Your Mobile App’s UI & Branding: Personalize the app’s layout, colors, fonts, and branding elements to align with your store’s identity.
• Configure and Test Your Mobile App: Integrate your store’s products, payment gateways, and push notifications. Test the app on different devices to ensure seamless performance.
• Publish & Promote Your App: Submit the app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and promote it through social media, email campaigns, and in-store banners.

The cost of using an app builder varies depending on the provider and plan you choose:

Building a Custom Shopify Mobile App with Mobile Buy SDK

For businesses that need advanced features and full control over the app’s functionality, Shopify’s Mobile Buy SDK allows developers to create a custom storefront.

• Plan Your App’s Features & Design: Outline key functionalities such as product browsing, checkout, and customer profiles. Design the UI/UX to match your brand.
• Set Up Your Development Environment: Install Node.js and Shopify CLI and create a Shopify development store for testing.
• Integrate Shopify’s Mobile Buy SDK: Use the SDK to build a mobile storefront, incorporating essential shopping features like product discovery, cart management, and checkout.
• Develop & Test Your Mobile App: Code the app while leveraging native mobile features like push notifications and real-time order tracking. Test on multiple devices to ensure smooth functionality.
• Publish Your App to App Stores: Set up developer accounts and submit your app for approval, following Apple and Google’s submission guidelines.
• Maintain & Improve Your App: Regularly update your app based on user feedback and performance analytics to keep it optimized and relevant.

According to Naturally, a custom Shopify app typically costs $15,000 to $25,000, with an average price of $20,000 for a fully functional app.

>> Explore: Shopify Mobile App Pricing Breakdown: Building and Launching Fees

Create a mobile app for Shopify for free with Simicart

If you want to turn your Shopify store into a mobile app without coding or extra costs, SimiCart offers a free and easy-to-use solution. Follow these simple steps to create your app.

1. Install SimiCart Mobile App Builder: Visit the Shopify App Store, search for SimiCart Mobile App Builder, and install it. Once added, it will seamlessly integrate with your Shopify store.
2. Set Up Your App: Access SimiCart from your Shopify admin panel and start the setup process. Choose a unique name that aligns with your brand identity and helps customers recognize your app.
3. Select a Theme:  Browse through SimiCart’s pre-built themes and pick one that best represents your brand. If needed, you can further customize the theme later to ensure a perfect visual match.
4. Customize Your App: Use the drag-and-drop interface to modify colors, fonts, layouts, and branding elements. Preview changes in real-time to see how your app will look before finalizing the design.
5. Add Languages for Global Reach: Expand your store’s accessibility by adding multiple languages such as English, Arabic, and Chinese. This feature helps provide a localized shopping experience for international customers.
6. Integrate Key Features: Enhance customer engagement by enabling push notifications for promotions and updates. Add features like wishlist functionality for saving favorite items and product reviews to build customer trust.
7. Publish Your App for Free: Once you’re satisfied with the setup, SimiCart will help you publish your app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Their support team assists with the submission process, ensuring a smooth launch at no extra cost.

In conclusion, a Shopify mobile app for customers enhances your brand, improves customer experience, and increases sales. The best part? You don’t need a big budget to create one. With free tools available, launching your own app is easier than ever. Start now and watch your business grow!