Ten years of React Native – Pros and cons of using the framework

Intro

React Native is a JavaScript-powered framework utilized extensively in modern mobile app development. Launched by Meta in 2015, it assists engineers in producing hybrid applications that mimic native performance. React Native swiftly gained notoriety as it syncs well with native features and functions effectively across operating systems.

At Touchlane, we bring hands-on expertise with React Native, having delivered impactful solutions through real-world experience. Today, we share our opinion on React Native pros and cons and go over its most prominent implementations in the industry.

React Native – Recent stats 

Recent data and trends for React Native demonstrate its continued growth and strong position in mobile technology.

New architecture

Last year, React Native rolled out a new framework version – 0.76 – that supports its new architecture by default. This is a major update for React Native since the architecture is crafted to improve performance and stability. It features Fabric, a modern rendering system, and TurboModules, which optimize the framework’s speed and responsiveness. 

React Native in numbers 

• As of January 2025, React Native has 120k stars at Github
• Based on the data from Stack Overflow’s Developer Survey 2024, 8.4% of programmers employ React Native
• Statista reports that in 2023, 35% of global developers named Reach Native as the go-to cross-platform solution 
• On Reddit, the React Native community has amassed over 145,000 members.

React Native pros 

As a decision maker, your selection of a proper tech stack can seriously affect the project’s final cost and timeline. And if you are looking to cut down on time and effort, cross-platform development is a fitting choice, overall. Dual compatibility eradicates the need to maintain app-specific codebases. That means programmers can repurpose much of the existing code to function on both OS and dramatically accelerate development timelines while preserving quality. 

Moreover, companies can allocate resources in a more efficient way with this approach – this is particularly helpful for smaller businesses and startups with limited budgets.

In this sense, React Native brings a range of benefits that can reinforce both as it is a strong pick for engineers who work daily with cross-platform software and for tech companies looking for an efficient solution for their mobile projects.

Expedited development timeline

As one of the leading and most used frameworks in the mobile industry, React Native’s pre-existing components and abundant repositories help accelerate development. Consequently, businesses can launch their apps quickly and gain a competitive edge.

Extensive community and ecosystem

The React Native user base has collected a rich pool of resources, plugins, and external tools that are freely available to any member. This thriving environment helps developers tackle challenges effectively and stay current with emerging best practices. Notable places include:

• GitHub
• Stack Overflow (programmers should use the react-native tag when submitting their inquiries)
• Discord
• Reactiflux

Hot Reloading for fast iterations

Hot reloading allows engineers to see updates in real time as they adjust the code. The frequently favored aspect makes the process of development more convenient as it speeds up important steps like testing and debugging without disrupting the workflow.

Integration with native modules

React Native allows the professionals that utilize it to add native elements, empowering the use of platform-only features for more advanced functionality. This helps create apps with high-performance features that match what your audience values most.

Ideal use cases for React Native

• You are seeking an efficient and reliable technology for your mobile development initiative, one that meets the demands of your audience
• You are working within a strict timeline and need a solution to accelerate the process
• Your goal is to deliver a consistent user experience across both platforms 
• Your development team is already skilled at React and JavaScript, the technologies that power React Native, and can easily adopt the framework thanks to extensive training resources, third-party plugins, libraries, and a supportive community.

Pros and cons of React Native application development

React Native cons

While React Native may sound like a perfectly fitting decision in light of its strengths, it is necessary to understand that it has its shortcomings, too. We list them below. 

Limitations in performance in contrast to native apps

React Native can struggle with performance in contrast to fully native applications. Its dependence on a single JavaScript thread can create bottlenecks during heavy computations or complex UI operations. Tasks demanding high responsiveness, including dynamic visuals or complex computations, may suffer delays because the JavaScript thread processes operations sequentially.

The bridgeless architecture introduced in recent versions has further contributed to these challenges, leading to slower load times and reduced responsiveness in user interactions.

Limited access to native features

Several platform-dependent functions – like multithreading – are still unavailable on React Native. To fill these shortcomings, programmers could have to design their own native modules or utilize external libraries. This is certainly not an ideal scenario as it might complicate the development process. 

Debugging challenges

In general, debugging React Native-powered applications can be trickier than employing traditional native approaches. Within both JavaScript and native code, some difficulties might occur to make it infinitely harder to pinpoint and fix issues. The built-in inspector has basic functionality, which could result in making tasks like adjusting styles and layouts more difficult.

Reliance on external libraries

React Native projects often employ third-party resources to add extra features. However, this can cause problems if those libraries are not updated or maintained regularly. As React Native expands, certain compatibility hurdles might arise, which could disrupt the app’s operations.

Larger size of the app

Normally, React Native apps have bigger file sizes than native apps do. This happens because they include extra instruments like libraries that are needed for cross-platform support. As a result, users might face longer download times and require additional storage space on their devices.

When pursuing native development is the superior choice

• Your app needs to operate well for tasks like complex calculations, dynamic visuals, or actions that require quick responses.
• Your project requires detailed debugging of native code, and React Native’s built-in debugging tools might not offer enough support.
• The app’s file size matters because a smaller size means faster downloads and uses less storage space.

Who uses React Native?

Microsoft makes use of React Native despite having its proprietary options like .NET MAUI and cross-platform C++ for Office. The tech giant started using React Native around 2015-2016 for its apps like Skype, Office, Teams, Xbox, and Outlook. They primarily applied it through “brownfield development” to add new features to existing codebases. The main attraction of React Native is its accessibility, given JavaScript’s widespread recognition. Due to this, Microsoft has access to a comprehensive selection of professionals. The framework also integrates smoothly with Microsoft’s web apps, and a great deal of these already feature React.

At Meta, React Native plays a pivotal role in product innovation and growth. A multitude of engineers rely on the framework every month to craft high-quality products efficiently. Meta’s use of React Native is evident in various projects showcased at Meta Connect 2024. For example, the company redesigned Facebook for mixed reality (MR) on Meta Quest. It selected React Native to build an immersive, powerful app that taps into MR’s features. React Native facilitated fast iteration, smooth animations, and interactive elements, such as swipe gestures and hover animations. 

Conclusion

React Native marks its 10th anniversary in 2025. Throughout the years, it has established itself as a simple and productive solution that facilitates the production of high-performing apps. It is favored by software engineers and big corporations worldwide.

If we meticulously analyze the pros and cons of React Native​, we can see what makes it a compelling choice among mobile engineering teams. Yet, as with any form of technology, this framework has its limitations. Taking these weaknesses into account is the healthy way to decide if React Native should really be part of your tech stack. At Touchlane, our mobile team brings together valuable experience with it and would be happy to discuss how the framework can fit your needs.