Last Updated on June 10, 2025
Quick Summary
React Native 0.79 is out with several significant updates that you should not miss. This version sets the stage for better mobile development, from improved app performance and stability to smoother development tools and compatibility with the latest libraries. In this insight, we’ll explore what’s new in React Native 0.79, comparing the React Native latest version with previous versions, and why you should consider upgrading sooner rather than later.
Table of Contents
React Native is known as the go-to framework for building mobile apps using JavaScript and React. It allows developers to write a single codebase and deploy to both iOS and Android. With each updated version, React Native becomes faster, smarter, and more reliable.
In the latest React Native 0.79 version, it comes up with significant performance improvements, an updated Hermes engine, and enhanced support for the latest Android and iOS platforms.
If you’re still using React Native 0.78, this blog insight will help you understand why you need to update and make a smart move to jump on React Native’s latest version, 0.79. It’s not about updating a version, it’s more about developing smarter apps with fewer errors, quicker loading times, and a more effortless development process.
React Native 0.79, released in early 2025, takes the steps towards the evolution of Meta’s powerful cross-platform mobile development framework. Though this release doesn’t bring groundbreaking new features, it offers a concentrated update designed to enhance and expand on the improvements of version 0.78, ensuring that your development environment remains in line with the newest tools and best practices in the React Native ecosystem.
The React Native latest version introduces significant updates, including an improved Hermes JavaScript engine, better compatibility with debugging tools, such as React DevTools, and numerous bug fixes that resolve various ongoing problems from the last version. It also features key dependency updates that ensure improved compatibility with the newest versions of React and third-party libraries.
React Native 0.79 brings many improvements that enhance the functionality of the overall development experience. The features are much faster, such as the JavaScript engine through the Hermes upgrade, which ensures smoother compatibility with the latest versions of React and Metro.
It also resolves significant bugs and crashes noted in version 0.78 and features platform-specific improvements for both iOS and Android, resulting in a more stable and production-ready release. Let’s watch out for each new update that comes in React Native latest version.
The Hermes engine that drives JavaScript execution in React Native has been upgraded in version 0.79. This results in quicker application launch times, better memory handling, and a more agile user interface. It leads to improved runtime performance for developers, particularly on devices with lower specifications.
The enhancement also provides better debugging support and more uniform behavior across platforms. If performance is a primary issue for your application, then this update can bring significant improvements.
React Native 0.79 improves the compatibility with React DevTools, providing hire React Native developers a more seamless and precise debugging process. You can now inspect component trees, state modifications, and props with improved accuracy.
This update minimizes problems, such as freezing or incorrect state reporting during development, aiding developers in identifying bugs sooner and functioning more effectively. In general, it offers a more reliable and user-friendly setting for developing and testing mobile applications.
In version 0.79, crucial dependencies like React and the Metro bundler have been upgraded to more recent versions. These enhancements enhance compatibility with contemporary JavaScript functionalities and external libraries.
It uniform development setting and reduced version discrepancies. This paves the way for utilizing the newest APIs and tools from the React ecosystem, ensuring your app remains modern and manageable.
Several bugs and crashes reported in React Native 0.78 have been fixed in this update. These corrections address everything from unexpected app failures to minor layout and display problems. By tackling these issues, React Native version 0.79 provides a more reliable experience for users and developers alike. These updates reduce downtime and minimize the time invested in troubleshooting throughout development cycles.
React Native 0.79 has improved support for native modules and platform-specific components for both iOS and Android. This results in reduced discrepancies among platforms and improved alignment with native behaviors and design principles.
Developers engaged with camera modules, navigation, gestures, or animations will observe improved smoothness in device interactions. This update guarantees a more uniform user experience, irrespective of the operating system.
| Feature | React Native 0.78 | React Native 0.79 |
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Older version | Updated, faster version |
| Dev Tools | Basic debugging | Enhanced tool compatibility |
| Stability | Occasional crashes | Smoother, more reliable |
| Dependencies | Slightly outdated | Up-to-date with the latest React |
| Native Support | Limited fixes | More robust across platforms |
Updating to React Native 0.79 may not initially seem like a significant change, but it is one of those upgrades that make a substantial impact behind the scenes. If you’re using React Native current version 0.78, here’s why upgrading to 0.79 is a wise decision:
The enhanced Hermes JavaScript engine allows your app to launch quicker and function more smoothly. It manages memory more effectively, which is more prominent for users who are using older or lower-spec devices.
React Native 0.9 improves the functionality of debugging tools like React DevTools in relation to your app. This results in reduced mistakes during component inspections and a much more better experience while identifying bugs or resolving layout problems.
Everyone dislikes crashes or strange UI glitches. This release fixes numerous common issues from 0.78, enhancing your app’s reliability and minimizing unexpected behavior during both development and production.
React Native develops rapidly, and version 0.79 aligns you more with contemporary standards by refreshing essential dependencies, such as React and Metro. This implies improved compatibility with other tools, libraries, and frameworks you might currently use or plan to utilize soon.
Regardless of whether your users are on iPhones or Android devices, React Native 0.79 offers enhancements and modifications that enhance the native feel and polish of your app. You’ll encounter reduced inconsistencies and improved alignment with the behavior specific to the platform.
Upgrading your React Native project from version 0.78 to 0.79 is a relatively simple task, especially if you’ve maintained a tidy and current codebase. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure the upgrade goes as smoothly as possible:
Before starting, ensure that everything in your existing setup is functioning correctly. Execute your application and resolve any current problems. Backing up your current code or committing it is is always a better option, as it allows for a rollback if necessary.
React Native offers a workflow tool known as Upgrade Helper. You just simply need to choose your current version (0.78) and the target version (0.79), and it will display precisely which files require modification. This simplifies the process of comparing differences and implementing updates manually.
In your package.json, change the React Native version to “0.79.0”, then run:
bash CopyEdit npm install # or yarn install
This will install the latest version along with any additional peer dependencies. Ensure that your editions of react, metro, and react-nativeare compatible.
React Native updates frequently involve modifications to native code (iOS and Android folders). When utilizing native modules or custom code, examine your project’s native files alongside those in a new 0.79 project or refer to the Upgrade Helper.
Once upgraded, test your app on iOS and Android devices or simulators. Search for UI issues, construction errors, or malfunctioning features. If something appears unusual, review the release notes or GitHub issues for identified problems and solutions.
Although React Native 0.79 offers fewer features, it provides precisely that many developers and teams genuinely require stability, enhanced performance, and a more seamless development experience. With a quicker Hermes engine, enhanced DevTools, and tailored platform improvements, this update aims to enhance the developer experience and optimize your app’s performance.
If you are using React Native 0.78 and considering upgrading to 0.79, then it will be a smart move. As this focus is on ensuring your project is ready for the future, minimizing errors, and enhancing user experience.
Yes, it’s a stable release focused on performance and bug fixes.
Usually, most upgrades are straightforward, though you should test your app after upgrading.
It’s best to upgrade one version at a time to avoid conflicts, unless you’re experienced with version migration.
Yes, it’s recommended to update all third-party libraries to their latest compatible versions to avoid conflicts.
In most cases, no. However, some UI-related libraries might need adjustments if they relied on deprecated APIs.