React Native 0.81: Android 16 Support, Faster iOS Builds, and Enhanced DX

The React Native team has officially rolled out React Native 0.81, and it brings a set of updates that developers will truly appreciate. From official Android 16 support to faster iOS builds and improved developer experience, this release strengthens React Native’s role as the go-to framework for cross-platform mobile app development.

React Native 0.81: Latest Updates and Features

React Native 0.81 introduces three major highlights that every development team should know about:

1. Android 16 (API 36) Support

With Android 16 (API 36) around the corner, React Native 0.81 ensures your apps are future-ready. The update adds official compatibility with Android API 36, allowing developers to test, optimize, and ship apps designed for the newest Android ecosystem.

Why it is important:

• Keeps your app compliant with the latest Google Play Store requirements.
• Future-proofs apps for new Android devices and OS versions.
• Ensures smoother integration with Google’s updated Android APIs.

2. Faster iOS Builds with Precompiled Frameworks

One of the biggest pain points for iOS developers has always been long build times. With React Native 0.81, this issue gets a major upgrade due to support for precompiled iOS frameworks.

Key benefits:

• Faster iteration during app development.
• Shorter build durations in CI/CD pipelines.
• Optimized resource usage for large teams.

This improvement means less time waiting and more time building features.

3. Improvements in Developer Experience (DX)

React Native 0.81 isn’t only about platform compatibility, it’s also about making life easier for developers. The release introduces multiple DX-focused improvements:

• Clearer and more actionable error messages.
• Stability fixes across both Android and iOS builds.
• Updated and more comprehensive documentation for onboarding new developers.

These enhancements contribute to a smoother development workflow and reduce frustration when debugging or setting up projects.

Key Reasons to Upgrade to React Native 0.81

Upgrading to React Native 0.81 ensures that your project stays aligned with the latest mobile ecosystem standards while unlocking measurable productivity gains.

• Guaranteed Google Play Store compliance (Android 16).
• Significant reduction in iOS build times.
• Ongoing improvements to stability and developer experience.

Plan the Upgrade to React Native 0.81 ASAP

React Native 0.81 continues to evolve the framework in ways that matter most keeping pace with rapidly changing Android and iOS ecosystems while reducing development friction.

If your project hasn’t yet migrated, now’s the time to plan the upgrade. By moving to React Native 0.81, you’ll not only future-proof your app but also streamline your development workflow for the entire team.