React Native 0.78 and React 19: A Must-Know Update for Your Next Project

Introduction

React Native 0.78 is here with the support for React 19 and also introduces other advancements and features that can simplify the development. The stable version was released on Feb 19, 2025.

Apart from React 19 support, multiple features have been improved in the React compiler to enhance the development workflow and much more. So, here we will brainstorm the key details of the latest version that can truly enhance your upcoming projects.

Key Features: React Native 0.78

Let’s explore all the new features introduced in React Native 0.78.

React 19 Integrated

Yes, now React 19 can be fully accessed in React Native. However, this will require updating your project accordingly to make it work. As there have been changes from React 18, like the propTypes being removed. So, to enjoy a smooth and error-free workflow, keep up with the updates.

Diving Deeper into React 19 Features

• Action – These are called functions that handle async transition, manage submitting data, and also handle pending states and errors.  
• UseActionState – A utility hook that tracks action status, wraps functions into callable actions.  
• useOptimistic – It handles state transitions during async requirements to enable seamless UI updates.       
• Use – Allows suspending components while reading promises or contexts during render.  
• Ref as props – Allows passing Ref as Props, where function components no longer require forwardRef, making it more flexible.

React Compiler

React compiler stands for the built-time tool that automatically applies memoization, optimizes React apps, and reduces unnecessary re-computation. This helps to improve the performance without any manual interventions. Previously, users were required to install two packages, first the compiler and then its runtime. And then users have to configure a Babel plugin to enable the compiler. But now you only require installing the compiler and configuring the Babel plugin.

Opt-in for JavaScript Logs in Metro

The recent version is available with opt-in restore Javascript log streaming through the Metro dev server, which was previously taken off in React Native version 0.77. To opt in, use the new-- client-logs flag, which can be aliased through an NMP script.

Android XML Drawables

Support for Android XML Drawables\n\nReact Native 0.78 adds native support for Android Vector Drawables, allowing developers to use vector images that scale without losing quality. This feature reduces application size and ensures better rendering across different screen sizes. Developers can now import XML resources like any other static resource by referencing them in the source prop of the Image component.

Simplified Release Process

The React team has been working on updating the release procedure to ship stable React Native releases more frequently in 2025. It will allow users to easily update the versions as there will be reduced breaking changes. Faster release will make it to the reach the right audience in early manner so users can get benefits of the latest releases. Hence, the motto of faster release relies on providing fewer breaking changes and a stable framework that everyone dreams of working with. 

Breaking Changes in React Native 0.78

Apart from the above changes, React Native 0.78 also introduces other breaking changes that programmers should know.

General

• PropTypes and other deprecated APIs have been officially removed, and coders can opt for other alternatives like TypeScript.  
• In the Codegen process, a separation has been made between component array types and command array types.

Android

The migration from RootView to Kotlin brought out changes in parameter types from nullable to non-nullable.  

Multiple classes have been transmitted from public to internal, or some even can't be accessed anymore, which includes:

- com.facebook.react.bridge.GuardedResultAsyncTask
- com.facebook.react.uimanager.ComponentNameResolver
- com.facebook.react.uimanager.FabricViewStateManager
- com.facebook.react.views.text.frescosupport.FrescoBasedReactTextInlineImageViewManager

So, if your app relies on these classes, you will be required to refactor your code consequently.

iOS

iOS-specific changes have only been made to the image load event size information, where the old architecture has been changed from logical size to pixel size. So, the new React Native architecture has an impact on how images are handled in your project.

It's advised to review these modifications and test your project after switching to 0.78 to obtain the desired outcomes.     

Comparing React native 0.76 with 0.78

Well, both React native 0.76 and 0.78 brought significant advantages, but they focus on different areas of improvement. React native 0.76 was focused on React Native Dev Tools while React native 0.78 is towards React 19 support. Let’s do a quick comparison of React native current version with the previous one.

How to Upgrade to React Native 0.78 Version?

You can upgrade to the React Native latest version by following the steps below;

1. Upgrade Decencies:  

Start by modifying your package.json to resonate with the newer React Native version.

{
  "dependencies": {
    "react": "19.0.0",
    "react-native": "0.78.0"
  }
}

2. Install Updates: 

To install the updated packages, you can run the following commands.

npm install
npx react-native upgrade

3. Update Native Code:

At last, you will require to update native code depending on the project’s configuration for iOS and Android platforms.

Work with React Native Upgrade Helper to see the code modification between React Native versions for the existing app.  

To start a new project: 

npx @react-native-community/cli@latest init MyProject --version latest

Conclusion

Indeed, React Native 0.78 remains a significant upgrade for improved performance, platform stability and developer workflow. Integrated with React 19, and the native support for Android and iOS, the release makes the React native app faster and easier to manage.

It is surely beneficial to convert your project to the latest React Native upgrade to obtain all these benefits. When upgrading, watch for breaking changes, especially regarding React 19 deprecations, the React compiler setup, and Metro log streaming. This will help you improve the performance and provide a seamless user experience.

Looking to hire React Native developers? Connect with us today. We at Lucent have a talent pool of programmers having the experience and expertise in technology to help you build your dream project.