Guide · React NativeUpdated October 9, 2026
React Native New Architecture: what 0.82 and Expo SDK 55 changed
Since React Native 0.82 (published October 8, 2025) the New Architecture is the only architecture. Expo SDK 55 and later run entirely on it as well. React Native 0.81 and Expo SDK 54 are the last versions where the legacy architecture can still be used, so an app that has not migrated has a clear last step before it.
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01React Native 0.82
From the React Native blog post of October 8, 2025, fetched October 9, 2026.
- New Architecture only
- “…we’re confident in making it the only architecture for this and future versions of React Native.” React Native blog: React Native 0.82 (October 8, 2025)
- Opt-out is ignored
- Setting newArchEnabled=false on Android, or installing CocoaPods with RCT_NEW_ARCH_ENABLED=0 on iOS, “will be ignored and your app will still run using the New Architecture.” React Native blog: React Native 0.82 (October 8, 2025)
- Last legacy versions
- For apps that have not migrated: “we recommend first migrating your project to React Native 0.81 or Expo SDK 54. These are the last versions that allow you to use the Legacy Architecture.” React Native blog: React Native 0.82 (October 8, 2025)
- Legacy code removal
- The team says it will remove the remaining Legacy Architecture code in future versions. Removal is “scheduled to start from the next version of React Native” after 0.82, and no Legacy Architecture APIs were removed from core in 0.82. React Native blog: React Native 0.82 (October 8, 2025)
02Expo SDKs
From the Expo docs (modification date September 3, 2026), fetched October 9, 2026.
- SDK 55 and later
- “SDK 55 and later run entirely on the New Architecture.” It is always enabled and cannot be disabled; a newArchEnabled: false setting in app config is ignored. Expo docs: Support for React Native’s New Architecture
- SDK 53 and 54
- “The New Architecture is enabled by default in SDK 53 and SDK 54.” “SDK 54 is the last SDK version where the New Architecture can be disabled.” Expo docs: Support for React Native’s New Architecture
- Legacy status
- The Expo docs say the legacy architecture was frozen in June 2025, with “no new features or bugfixes” developed for it. Expo docs: Support for React Native’s New Architecture
- Compatibility check
- Expo recommends running npx expo-doctor to check dependencies against React Native Directory data. Expo docs: Support for React Native’s New Architecture
03Which versions allow the legacy architecture
| Version | Legacy architecture | Source |
|---|---|---|
| React Native 0.81 | Allowed (last version) | React Native 0.82 blog post |
| React Native 0.82 and later | Not allowed, opt-out ignored | React Native 0.82 blog post |
| Expo SDK 54 | Can be disabled (last SDK) | Expo docs |
| Expo SDK 55 and later | Not allowed, always enabled | Expo docs |
The fetched pages do not state which React Native version Expo SDK 55 ships, so this guide does not map the two.
04The upgrade path the React Native team gives
1. Move to React Native 0.81 or Expo SDK 54
These versions carry warnings and performance work meant to help the migration.
2. Enable the New Architecture and verify
Turn it on in 0.81 and confirm the app works, including every native module and library you use.
3. Then update to 0.82 or later
Once the app runs on the New Architecture in 0.81, the blog says you can update safely to 0.82, which prevents enabling the Legacy Architecture.
4. Use the Upgrade Helper
React Native Upgrade Helper shows code changes between versions for existing projects.
05Questions about the New Architecture
Can I still disable the New Architecture in React Native 0.82?
No. The 0.82 blog post says the opt-out settings are ignored and the app runs on the New Architecture.
What is the last Expo SDK with the legacy architecture?
Expo SDK 54. The Expo docs say it is the last SDK version where the New Architecture can be disabled.
Does Expo SDK 55 require the New Architecture?
Yes. SDK 55 and later run entirely on the New Architecture, and it cannot be disabled.
How do I check my libraries?
Run npx expo-doctor and look up each library in React Native Directory, as the Expo docs suggest.
06More deadlines
Next step
30 minutes with an engineer. Discuss your product, then get a free initial audit and a clear next step.
Sources
- React Native blog: React Native 0.82 (October 8, 2025)
- Expo docs: Support for React Native’s New Architecture
Checked October 9, 2026.