The Future of React Native Development: A Look at its Evolution

React Native in Nutshell

React Native was developed by the team at Facebook to improve the cross-platform development experience and create apps that match the speed of native apps. It enables the development of mobile apps using JavaScript, which can run on both Android and iOS platforms with a single codebase, resulting in significant cost savings compared to native development.

In fact, it continues to lead as the most popular JavaScript-based framework for cross-platform development, according to the JavaScript State of 2022 report.

Here’s What You Need to Know about the Future of React Native.

1. Future-proof foundation with new architecture

React Native's new architecture is a powerful driver for TypeScript adoption. Turbo Modules and Fabric, the new core components, require type safety, making TypeScript the natural choice. 

While the new architecture poses challenges for existing native libraries not built with type safety, it is still under active development and is iteratively improved. However, the trade-off is worth it. Long-term benefits include improved performance, stability, and a future-proof foundation for React Native app development. 

Though adoption is growing, current teams might face changes to adapt their apps to the new architecture, but the advantages outweigh the short-term hurdles.

2. EAS Removes Limitations, Making it a Viable Long-Term Solution

React Native's journey with the Expo has been a rollercoaster. Initially praised for its ease of use and rapid prototyping, Expo had limitations and a perceived lack of control for some developers. 

However, the tide is turning. Expo Application Services (EAS), launched in 2021, has significantly changed the game. EAS offers robust build and submission services, enterprise-grade CI/CD, and seamless native app development. 

This newfound capability removes the limitations of the past, making Expo a viable long-term solution even for complex projects. No more developer struggles with building apps on their local machines - EAS handles the heavy lifting.

This evolution ensures Expo remains relevant in the React Native app development, and as Expo continues to grow, React Native’s position will solidify. 

3. React Native Apps Get Instant with Expo's OTA

Expo's over-the-air update feature is another enhancement that allows developers to ship app updates to users without requiring app store approval; this significant advantage is worth considering as one of the elements that will further solidify React's position in the development space.

4. React Native's Community Will Keep it Ahead of the Game

While various emerging frameworks like Flutter and Kotlin Multiplatform are picking up momentum as alternatives to React Native, they might chip away at the native market share, a common trend in the tech industry. 

Nonetheless, React Native will continue to be a popular choice. Additionally, these alternatives lack the community support that React Native enjoys, Further strengthening its growth in the field.

5. Expo Boosts React Native Web Support

As Expo grows, so does support for React Native for Web, particularly from third-party libraries. This eliminates a major hurdle for using React Native across all platforms: previously, web compatibility often meant rebuilding UI components and extra work. 

With smoother interoperability, teams can launch an MVP on the web first, gather user feedback, and later deploy native apps from the same codebase. Marketing teams can leverage SEO to attract users on the web and then encourage them towards native apps for higher engagement. 

6. Mobile & Web - React Native Bridges the Gap in 2024

The hurdles of navigation and rendering on web are finally falling for React Native thanks to advancements in 2022 and 2023. Solito and Next.js allow seamless navigation between React Native and web apps, while tools like Vercel and Expo router provide efficient cross-platform routing.

UI kits like Tamagui further bridge the gap by compiling code to both native and web components, offering high performance and a streamlined development process. All these steps bring us closer to the dream of "write-once, run-anywhere" code for both mobile and web.

7. TypeScript Rises as the New React Native Standard

The dominance of JavaScript in React Native codebases is fading as developers increasingly embrace TypeScript. While debates linger, TypeScript's advantages solidify its position as the standard for larger projects. 

Third-party libraries, core codebases, and technologies like Deno are leading the charge by adopting TypeScript-first approaches. Starting with v0.71, React Native even makes TypeScript the default option.

Yes, learning TypeScript has a curve, but its integration is becoming ubiquitous, making it easier to adopt than ignore.

Is React Native Still the Future of Cross-Platform Development?

In 2024 and beyond, React Native continues to gain momentum, offering seamless development for cross-platform mobile and web apps. Its active community drives rapid innovation, making it an optimal choice for professional developers. 

With major companies like Facebook, Instagram, and Netflix using React Native, it's clear that the framework is not just a future prospect but a powerful tool for building successful apps today.

According to a report, the mobile application development market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.3% between 2024 and 2030. The upcoming trend hints that React Native mobile app development will continue to grow because of robust community support. 

Conclusion 

In this article, we have walked through some developments that will shape the future of React Native development. In 2024, no major overhauls are anticipated as the team hasn't hinted at any, but they will surely refine their existing lineup. 

Are you considering React Native for your next project, or are you keen to stay updated on its latest advancements?  Reach out today to begin your app development journey with React Native.

FAQ?

1. Is React Native still relevant in 2024?

Major companies like Facebook, Instagram, and Netflix continue to rely on React Native, and its recent architectural updates and community support solidify its position as a top choice for cross-platform app development.

2. What benefits does the new architecture offer?

The new architecture promotes TypeScript adoption, leading to improved performance, stability, and a future-proof foundation. While adjustments are needed for existing apps, the long-term gains outweigh the temporary hurdles.

4. How does Expo's OTA update feature benefit developers?

Expo's over-the-air update feature allows app updates without app store approval, significantly accelerating the development process and user experience.

5. How do I hire  React Native developers? 

At Brilworks, we house a team of expert React Native developers who cater to diverse project needs. We take pride in building strong partnerships with our clients, ensuring a transparent development process. We offer both dedicated and fixed-priced developer models to accommodate various needs.