Shopify is doubling down on artificial intelligence with a new lineup of AI-powered tools aimed at making online store setup and customization easier than ever. The updates, announced during Shopify’s latest Edition launch, include an AI store builder, an enhanced Sidekick assistant, and a dynamic new theme designed to streamline the shopping experience for merchants and customers alike.
At the heart of these updates is Shopify’s new AI store builder, a tool that allows merchants to launch a storefront from just one prompt. Users simply describe their brand—for example, “tennis gear and stylish athleisure”—and Shopify automatically generates a ready-to-edit store. Merchants can then tweak the layout and design directly in the editor, saving hours of development time.
The company also introduced a new public theme called Horizon, now live in the Shopify Theme Store. It’s the first theme to feature “Theme Blocks,” which allow merchants to build and modify their storefronts without writing a single line of code. These blocks are fully customizable with the help of Shopify’s built-in AI. For instance, a user can describe a banner with text and animation, and the AI will generate the required code automatically.
Sidekick Gets Smarter With Voice and Mobile Features
Shopify has also given its Sidekick AI assistant a major upgrade. Merchants can now speak directly to Sidekick using voice chat and receive audible responses in return. It can also share your screen to walk you through tricky tasks, like navigating tariff settings or adjusting payment options.
These new Sidekick features are now available in the Shopify mobile app as well, giving users access to personalized AI support on the go. The assistant, first rolled out in late 2024, has seen rapid adoption. According to the company, the number of monthly users has more than doubled since the beginning of 2025.
AI to Power More Efficiency, Fewer Headcounts
These AI enhancements are part of a broader push by Shopify to streamline its platform while supporting merchants with smart, intuitive tools. CEO Tobi Lütke recently noted that AI might play a key role in helping the company stay lean, hinting at a future where automation could reduce the need for a large workforce.
With features like instant store generation, code-free customization, and hands-free support, Shopify’s latest AI tools aim to empower sellers—especially those without technical backgrounds—to build beautiful, effective online stores faster than ever.
