React Native combines the best parts of native development with React, a best-in-class JavaScript library for building user interfaces.
Debugging Improvements:
- Console Log History in Hermes:
console.log()
logs are now captured in the background.
- Easier observation of early app load logs.
- Compatible with Flipper, Chrome DevTools, and the new experimental debugger.
Updated Debugging Docs:
- Refreshed documentation with up-to-date information.
- Insights on connecting supported debuggers and using React DevTools.
Experimental New Debugger:
- A streamlined Chrome DevTools UI customized for debugging.
- Technical Preview available with instant opening.
Stable Symlink Support in Metro:
- Support for resolving symlinks in Metro now enabled by default.
- Seamless compatibility with monorepo setups and watchFolders.
- Works well with Fast Refresh and incurs minimal performance overhead during bundling.
Kotlin Template on Android:
- Kotlin is now the recommended language for Android apps.
- React Native template on Android updated to use Kotlin instead of Java.
- Smaller file sizes (36%) for MainActivity.kt and MainApplication.kt.
Android 14 Support:
- Full support for Android 14 (API Level 34).
- Java 17 and Android Gradle Plugin upgrade required.
- Grant partial access to photos and videos with the READ_MEDIA_VISUAL_USER_SELECTED permission.
New Architecture Updates:
- Introduction of Bridgeless Mode.
- Native Module Interop Layer for reusing old modules.
- Initial experimental release — feedback from users encouraged.
Deprecated Debugging Features:
- Gradual move away from Flipper as the default tool.
- Native Flipper integration deprecated; removal in the next release.
- Remote JavaScript Debugging deprecated, recommending Hermes for a consistent debugging experience.
Breaking Changes:
- Babel package renames for simplified maintenance.
- Minimum Node.js requirement raised to 18.x.
- TypeScript and Fresco updates.
- Minimum iOS version raised to 13.4
React Native CLI Changes:
- Default task prefix changed in build-android command.
- Removal of fallback flows for Metro config defaults.
- Adjustments in command options for run-ios and build-android.
Acknowledgements:
- Over 2259 commits from 68 contributors.
- Thanks to the community for their hard work.
Upgrade to 0.73:
- Use React Native Upgrade Helper for code changes.
- Refer to Upgrading docs for existing projects.
- Create new projects with
npx react-native@latest init MyProject
.
- Expo SDK 50 release will support React Native 0.73.