# Simplifying how metafield and metaobject permissions work — Shopify developer changelog
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## Simplifying how metafield and metaobject permissions work

In the new year we’re simplifying how metafield and metaobject permissions work. This makes the system easier to work with and will further improve API response times.

In summary:

- On **Jan 1, 2025**, the `2025-01` admin API will remove both private and public permissions for [app-reserved metafields and metaobjects](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/custom-data/reserved-prefixes) from all **mutations**. 
- On **Feb 1, 2025**, **across all API versions**, we will fully remove **private** permissions for [app-reserved metafields and metaobjects](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/custom-data/reserved-prefixes). **We will migrate all existing metafields and metaobjects** to be merchant readable automatically. All metafields and metaobjects will also become accessible in liquid.  
- On **Apr 1, 2025**, **across all API versions**, we will fully remove **public** permissions for [app-reserved metafields and metaobjects](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/custom-data/reserved-prefixes).**We will migrate all existing metafields and metaobjects** to be only accessible by your app and the merchant automatically.

Details below: 

On **Jan 1, 2025**:

- The following **inputs** to app-reserved [metafield](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetafieldAdminAccessInput) and [metaobject](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetaobjectAdminAccessInput) API **mutations** will be removed in 2025-01: `PRIVATE`, `PUBLIC_READ`, `PUBLIC_READ_WRITE`
- The following **outputs** from app-reserved [metafield](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetafieldAdminAccess) and [metaobject](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetaobjectAdminAccess) API **queries** will be removed in `2025-01`: `LEGACY_LIQUID_ONLY`
- Otherwise, existing **queries** and data will continue to support these removed input types  

On **Feb 1, 2025**:

- The following **outputs** from app-reserved [metafield](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetafieldAdminAccess) and [metaobject](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetaobjectAdminAccess) API **queries** will be removed **across all versions**:`PRIVATE`
- **Existing** app-reserved metafields and metaobjects permissions **will be migrated**: `PRIVATE` → `MERCHANT_READ`
- All metafields and metaobjects will become accessible in liquid  

On **Apr 1, 2025**:

- The following outputs from app-reserved [metafield](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetafieldAdminAccess) and [metaobject](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/unstable/enums/MetaobjectAdminAccess) API **queries** will be removed **across all versions**:`PUBLIC_READ` and `PUBLIC_READ_WRITE` 
- **Existing** app-reserved metafields and metaobjects permissions **will be migrated**:`PUBLIC_READ` → `MERCHANT_READ` and `PUBLIC_READ_WRITE` → `MERCHANT_READ_WRITE`

*Published: December 10, 2024*
Tags: API, Deprecation Announcement
Link: https://shopify.dev/changelog/simplifying-how-metafield-and-metaobject-permissions-work

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