React Native 0.82: A Milestone Release for the New Architecture

Introduction

The React Native team has announced version 0.82, a significant milestone that marks the first release entirely built on the New Architecture. This version represents a turning point, as future updates will begin phasing out the remaining Legacy Architecture code to reduce bundle size and simplify the codebase. Alongside this shift, 0.82 introduces experimental support for Hermes V1, updates to React 19.1.1, and adds support for DOM Node APIs.

Key Highlights

• New Architecture Only – The New Architecture is now the sole runtime option.
• Experimental Hermes V1 – Opt-in to a newer Hermes engine.
• React 19.1.1 – Enables the latest React features.
• DOM Node APIs – Enhanced web compatibility.

The Shift to New Architecture Only

Following its introduction as the default in version 0.76, the New Architecture has undergone extensive testing and refinement. With 0.82, developers can no longer fall back to the Legacy Architecture. Attempts to set newArchEnabled=false on Android or RCT_NEW_ARCH_ENABLED=0 on iOS will be ignored—the New Architecture will always be active.

Migration Path

If your project still uses the Legacy Architecture, follow these steps:

1. Upgrade to React Native 0.81 or Expo SDK 54 (the last versions supporting the Legacy Architecture). These versions include warnings and performance improvements to ease migration.
2. Enable the New Architecture in 0.81 and verify your application runs correctly.
3. Once confirmed, update to React Native 0.82, which enforces the New Architecture exclusively.

If a third-party dependency is incompatible, contact its maintainers directly. For bugs in React Native core, report them via the issue tracker.

Interop Layers and Third-Party Libraries

The interop layers that provide backward compatibility with both architectures will remain in place for now. All necessary classes and functions for interop will not be removed in the near term, giving library maintainers time to adapt. The team has verified that many popular third-party libraries continue to work seamlessly under 0.82.

Future Removal of Legacy Architecture Classes

To minimize breaking changes, no Legacy Architecture APIs are removed in this version. However, cleanup is planned for future releases, as outlined in RFC0929. Removing the Legacy Architecture will significantly reduce the overall bundle size and streamline the framework.

Experimental Hermes V1

React Native 0.82 includes an experimental opt-in to Hermes V1, a newer version of the Hermes JavaScript engine. This upgrade aims to improve performance and memory efficiency. Developers interested in testing it should enable the experimental flag and provide feedback to the team.

Upgraded React Version

With the move to React 19.1.1, developers gain access to the latest React features, including improved concurrent rendering and automatic batching. This update aligns React Native with the broader React ecosystem, making it easier to share code and leverage new patterns.

Support for DOM Node APIs

0.82 introduces support for DOM Node APIs, bridging the gap between React Native and web development. This allows developers to use familiar DOM methods and properties directly in their React Native apps, simplifying cross-platform code and enabling more advanced interactions.

Looking Ahead

This release sets the stage for a leaner, faster React Native. As the Legacy Architecture is phased out, expect smaller app bundles and fewer maintenance burdens. The team continues to focus on stability and performance, and community feedback will shape the next steps.