Navigating the End of Third-Party Cookies: A Guide for BigCommerce App Developers

The online world is continually changing, and one big change that's happening now affects how developers make websites. Google Chrome has started blocking third-party cookies for some people, and they plan to do this for everyone by the end of 2024. This will affect apps on BigCommerce that use these cookies, so developers need to make some changes to keep their apps working. Let's talk about what this means and how developers can make sure their apps keep running smoothly.

Chrome isn't the only browser making this change. Firefox and Safari have already done it. This is all about protecting your privacy online. But if you’re an app developer, it means you need to tweak how their apps work to keep them running smoothly.

Two Ways to Adapt

Cookieless Apps: Some apps are switching to a cookieless approach. Instead of using cookies, they store information in the URL. BigCommerce has a cookieless sample app that shows how to do this. It's a smart move because it works across all browsers, not just Chrome. Plus, it's future-proof, so you won't have to keep making changes as browsers update their rules.

Partitioned Cookies: Another option is to update your app's cookies with a special "Partitioned" flag. This helps them work better in Chrome, but it might not solve all the problems in other browsers. It's a quicker fix than going cookieless, but it might not be as reliable in the long run.

Different Browsers, Different Rules

Every browser is handling this change a bit differently, so, depending on which browser your customers use, your app might need different tweaks to keep working smoothly:

  • Chrome: Needs the Partitioned flag for cookies to work.

  • Safari: Requires special permission for third-party cookies.

  • Firefox: Already blocks third-party cookies by default.

  • Brave: Disables all third-party cookies.

Next Steps

If you're a BigCommerce app developer, there are a few things you can do to adapt:

  • Test Your App: See how your app behaves without third-party cookies. This will help you figure out what changes you need to make. This Google Developers article about how to test for breakage discusses useful instructions for developers.

  • Consider Cookieless: If you're starting a new app or updating an existing one, seriously consider going cookieless. It's the best long-term solution.

  • Follow the Guides: BigCommerce has lots of resources to help you understand these changes and make the necessary adjustments.

By understanding these changes and taking proactive steps to adapt, BigCommerce app developers can ensure apps continue to provide a seamless shopping experience for customers, regardless of browser restrictions.

Resources

If you have questions, feedback, or issues implementing, please reach out to our DevRel team.