Shopify's Horizon theme has been updated to version 3.5.1, released on March 30, 2026. This patch release addresses translation issues and improves the Split Showcase section on small screens that were introduced in v3.5.0. This article covers both v3.5.0 and v3.5.1, as the two releases are closely linked.
What's New in Horizon 3.5.0
Version 3.5.0 was a significant feature release that introduced structural changes to the theme's settings architecture. While the code hasn't been published to the public GitHub repository yet, the changes have been well-documented through merchant reports and the Shopify community.
1. Split Showcase Section
The headline addition in v3.5.0 is the new Split Showcase section. This appears to be a new layout section that splits content into distinct visual panels — ideal for comparing products, telling a brand story across panels, or creating editorial-style layouts. The section had initial issues on small screens that v3.5.1 addresses.
2. Settings Architecture Changes
Version 3.5.0 restructured settings for colors and fonts. This is the most impactful change in this release cycle, and merchants should be aware of the implications:
Color and Font Settings Migration: The update removed or reorganized existing settings for colors and fonts. Some merchants reported that their color and font customizations were lost after updating. If you've heavily customized your theme's colors or typography, document your current settings before updating.
3. Translation String Changes
The update introduced changes to locale/translation files that initially caused compatibility issues with shopify theme check. Specifically, 7 translation keys were missing across 30 non-English locale files, resulting in 181 "MatchingTranslations" errors. This was one of the primary issues addressed in v3.5.1.
Known Issues from v3.5.0
Several issues were reported by merchants after updating to v3.5.0:
- Theme check errors — error count jumped from 2 to 183 after updating, primarily due to missing translation keys
- Mobile collection list images — images occasionally displayed in incorrect order on mobile Safari after page refresh
- Lost customizations — some merchants reported color and font settings being reset
- Product carousel behavior — carousel slider behavior changes affected some stores
What's New in Horizon 3.5.1
Version 3.5.1 is a targeted bugfix release that addresses the most pressing issues from v3.5.0:
1. Translation String Fixes
The 7 missing translation keys have been restored across all 30 non-English locale files, resolving the 181+ shopify theme check errors. If you ran theme check on v3.5.0 and saw a wall of "MatchingTranslations" errors, updating to v3.5.1 should clear them.
2. Split Showcase Small Screen Support
The Split Showcase section now properly handles small screen viewports. Layout and display issues that affected the section on mobile devices have been resolved.
Version Comparison: Horizon 3.5.1 vs. 3.4.0
| Area | Horizon 3.4.0 | Horizon 3.5.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | Standard set | +Split Showcase section |
| Settings | Original color/font structure | Restructured settings architecture |
| Translations | Complete locale files | Updated keys (fixed in v3.5.1) |
| Theme Check | Minimal errors | Clean after v3.5.1 fixes |
Should You Update?
This update requires more caution than usual due to the settings architecture changes in v3.5.0.
Update If
- You want the new Split Showcase section
- You're starting a new store or haven't heavily customized colors/fonts
- You're already on v3.5.0 — updating to v3.5.1 is strongly recommended to fix translation errors
Wait If
- You have extensive color and font customizations that you can't afford to lose
- Your store is in a critical sales period and you can't risk visual changes
Pre-Update Checklist
- Backup your theme — essential for this update given the settings migration
- Screenshot your current color settings — document all color scheme customizations
- Screenshot your font settings — note your current font choices and sizes
- Preview before publishing — install the update on a duplicate theme and preview before making it live
Post-Update Testing
- Colors and fonts — verify all your color schemes and typography settings are intact
- Collection pages on mobile Safari — check that collection list images display in the correct order
- Split Showcase — if you add this new section, test it across desktop and mobile
-
Run theme check — run
shopify theme checkto confirm translation errors are resolved (if coming from v3.5.0)
Conclusion
Horizon v3.5.1 is a necessary patch for anyone on v3.5.0, fixing the translation errors and Split Showcase mobile issues. For merchants on v3.4.0 or earlier, the decision to update depends on whether you want the new Split Showcase section and can tolerate potential settings migration. We recommend installing on a duplicate theme first to verify your customizations survive the update.
The update is available now in your Shopify admin. If you're updating from v3.4.0, take the extra time to document your settings before proceeding.
Have you updated to Horizon 3.5.1? Did your color and font settings survive the migration? Share your experience in the comments — it helps other merchants plan their update strategy!