React Native Radio RNR 344 - React Native 0.81
Sep 19, 2025
Frank Calise, a React Native engineer at Infinite Red, and Tyler Williams, a React Native developer, dive into the significant updates in React Native 0.81. They discuss the support for Android 16, including new edge gestures and safe area changes. The conversation highlights the transition of JSC to community maintenance and the introduction of precompiled iOS builds, promising faster performance and fewer Xcode headaches. Tune in for insights on tooling updates and the implications for developers!
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Android 16 Edge Gestures Matter
- Android 16 adds edge-to-edge display support and predictive back gestures for apps targeting the new API level.
- This changes back navigation behavior and requires testing of BackHandler flows in existing apps.
Protect Edits From Swipe Back
- Test and possibly update any custom back handling (BackHandler) so users don't lose in-progress edits when swiping back.
- Add confirm flows for destructive navigation when users may be editing content.
Switch From Core SafeAreaView
- React Native is deprecating the built-in SafeAreaView because it behaves mainly for iOS and not Android.
- Use react-native-safe-area-context for cross-platform safe-area behavior and hooks.