New Architecture¶

The New Architecture is enabled by default in Expo SDK 53+. It replaces the legacy bridge with a faster, synchronous communication layer between JavaScript and native code.

Documentation¶

Full guide: https://docs.expo.dev/guides/new-architecture/

What Changed¶

JSI (JavaScript Interface) — Direct synchronous calls between JS and native
Fabric — New rendering system with concurrent features
TurboModules — Lazy-loaded native modules with type safety

SDK Compatibility¶

SDK Version	New Architecture Status
SDK 55+	Only option — Legacy Architecture fully dropped
SDK 54	Default, last SDK to support Legacy Architecture
SDK 53	Enabled by default
SDK 52	Opt-in via app.json
SDK 51-	Experimental

Configuration¶

SDK 55+¶

The newArchEnabled config option has been removed. The New Architecture is the only option — no opt-out is possible. Remove any newArchEnabled field from your app.json.

SDK 53-54¶

New Architecture is enabled by default. To disable (SDK 54 is the last SDK where this works):

{
  "expo": {
    "newArchEnabled": false
  }
}

Expo Go¶

Expo Go only supports the New Architecture as of SDK 53. Apps using the old architecture must use development builds.

Common Migration Issues¶

Native Module Compatibility¶

Some older native modules may not support the New Architecture. Check:

Module documentation for New Architecture support
GitHub issues for compatibility discussions
Consider alternatives if module is unmaintained

The interop layer remains part of React Native, so Legacy Architecture libraries should still work through it.

Reanimated¶

React Native Reanimated v4 (SDK 54+) only supports the New Architecture and requires react-native-worklets:

npx expo install react-native-reanimated react-native-worklets

If you need Legacy Architecture support on SDK 54, you can stay on Reanimated v3 — see https://github.com/expo/fyi/blob/main/expo-54-reanimated.md

Layout Animations¶

Some layout animations behave differently. Test thoroughly after upgrading.

Verifying New Architecture¶

Check if New Architecture is active:

import { Platform } from "react-native";

const isNewArch = global._IS_FABRIC !== undefined;

Verify from the command line: bunx xcobra expo eval "_IS_FABRIC" -> true

Troubleshooting¶

Clear caches — npx expo start --clear
Clean prebuild — npx expo prebuild --clean
Check native modules — Ensure all dependencies support New Architecture
Review console warnings — Legacy modules log compatibility warnings
Autolinking resolution — In SDK 55+ monorepos, autolinkingModuleResolution is enabled by default and helps resolve duplicate native modules