⚛️ React Native in 2025: What’s New, What’s Changed & What Still Sucks

I’ve built both personal and client projects in React Native , and the ecosystem in 2025 is smoother, faster, but still has some pain points.

Let’s break it down 👇

✅ What’s New

📦 Expo Router = Simpler Navigation

• File-based routing (like Next.js)
• Deep linking is easier than ever

⚡ TurboModules + JSI

• Native performance is now competitive with Swift/Kotlin in many cases

🎨 Skia for React Native

• High-performance 2D rendering
• Perfect for custom dashboards, charts, and games

📱 Hermes as Default Engine

• Optimized JS execution = faster loads & smaller app size

🌈 Tailwind + NativeWind Styling

• Styling now feels just like React web apps but native!

🔁 What’s Changed

Expo is now PRODUCTION-ready → Ejecting is rare. 90% of apps can ship with just Expo.

UI libraries are mature → Tamagui, ShadCN Native, NativeBase , production-grade now.

Developer tools are better→ Flipper, Metro bundler, and debugging with logs actually helps

React Native CLI setup is smoother→ Still a bit tricky, but nothing like the pain of 2021-2022.

😤 What Still Sucks

Native module errors are still cryptic→ You fix one line… 10 red screens follow 😫

Testing isn’t fun→ Integration tests are hard to set up. Jest often fails silently.

Android/iOS parity issues remain→ Scroll behavior, fonts, gestures, still not always consistent.

App size can grow fast→ Without tree-shaking + image optimization, bundles bloat.

💡 What I Recommend for Beginners in 2025

1. Start with Expo don’t worry about ejecting early
2. Pick one UI kit Tamagui or NativeWind (not both)
3. Learn navigation + permissions early
4. Test on real devices frequently
5. Avoid native modules unless you're confident

👨💻 Want to Learn React + React Native the Practical Way?

📚 React Next.js Rest API Backend Typescript Course 2025

📚 React Next JS Practical Application ShadCN UI 2025

👨🏫 Need 1-on-1 help? Book a session here →

💬 Let’s Talk

Are you using React Native in 2025?

What do you love, and what still drives you crazy? 👇

Let’s share insights to help new devs ship better mobile apps.