Shopify says browser-based AI agents can now complete purchases on its merchants' sites. On Monday the company announced support for checkout, including its Shop Pay system. This goes beyond searching for products and adding them to a cart.
Three new tools let agents read a checkout, change details like address or delivery, and place the order. The buyer must authorise the payment. Shopify said agents no longer need screenshots or web scraping to shop.
π The Backstory
Some retailers are moving the other way. Amazon and Adidas have blocked AI agents from buying on a user's behalf. Shopify instead supports WebMCP, a shared standard that lets software talk to online shops.
The feature is rolling out to all eligible Shopify merchants. Shopping with an AI helper is a fast-growing area as more people use chatbots to buy things. Competing platforms are watching the results closely.
π― Why It Matters
If you shop online, AI helpers may soon handle checkout for you. That could save time but also raises questions about trusting them with your money.
Shopify says browser-based AI agents can now complete purchases on its merchants' sites. On Monday the company announced support for checkout, including its Shop Pay system. This goes beyond searching for products and adding them to a cart.
Three new tools let agents read a checkout, change details like address or delivery, and place the order. The buyer must authorise the payment. Shopify said agents no longer need screenshots or web scraping to shop.
Some retailers are moving the other way. Amazon and Adidas have blocked AI agents from buying on a user's behalf. Shopify instead supports WebMCP, a shared standard that lets software talk to online shops.
The feature is rolling out to all eligible Shopify merchants. Shopping with an AI helper is a fast-growing area as more people use chatbots to buy things. Competing platforms are watching the results closely.
If you shop online, AI helpers may soon handle checkout for you. That could save time but also raises questions about trusting them with your money.