Today marks a significant milestone in the React Native ecosystem with the release of version 0.82. This update is the first to run entirely on the New Architecture, signaling a new era for mobile development. In future versions, the remaining code from the Legacy Architecture will be removed to reduce installation size and streamline the codebase.
Alongside this architectural shift, React Native 0.82 introduces an experimental opt-in for Hermes V1, upgrades to React 19.1.1, and ships support for DOM Node APIs. These changes collectively enhance performance, developer experience, and compatibility.
Key Highlights of React Native 0.82
New Architecture Only
Since React Native 0.76 made the New Architecture the default, the team has rigorously tested and refined it. With version 0.82, the New Architecture becomes the sole option. Any attempts to disable it—such as setting newArchEnabled=false on Android or RCT_NEW_ARCH_ENABLED=0 on iOS—will be ignored. Your app will always run on the New Architecture, ensuring consistent behavior and performance.
Experimental Hermes V1
An opt-in preview of Hermes V1 is now available. This updated JavaScript engine promises faster startup times and reduced memory usage. Developers can experiment with it to gauge improvements in their applications.
React 19.1.1
The bundled React version has been updated to 19.1.1, bringing the latest features and bug fixes. This includes enhancements to concurrent rendering and automatic batching, which help improve app responsiveness.
DOM Node APIs
Support for DOM Node APIs is now shipped, allowing React Native to better handle web-like operations. This is particularly useful for cross-platform code that interacts with native components in a standardized way.
How to Migrate to React Native 0.82
If your project hasn't yet adopted the New Architecture, follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition:
- Update to React Native 0.81 or Expo SDK 54 first. These are the last versions that support the Legacy Architecture. They include warnings and performance improvements to aid migration.
- Enable the New Architecture in 0.81. Test your application thoroughly to verify it works correctly.
- Once confirmed, upgrade to React Native 0.82. The Legacy Architecture will be disabled, so all components must be compatible.
Dealing with Third-Party Dependencies
If an incompatible library blocks your migration, contact its maintainers directly. For core bugs, report them through the React Native issue tracker. Interop layers remain in place for now, ensuring that libraries offering backward compatibility with both architectures will continue to function.
Future Plans: Legacy Architecture Removal
In the current release, no Legacy Architecture APIs have been removed to minimize breaking changes. However, their removal is scheduled to begin in the next version. This will significantly reduce bundle size and simplify the codebase. For detailed plans, refer to RFC0929.
The interop layers will be kept for the foreseeable future, but further updates on their removal will be shared later. React Native 0.82 marks the starting point of a leaner, faster framework—one that sets the stage for future innovation.