Mobile applications are crucial for businesses nowadays. However, developing unique native apps for iOS and Android can be costly, time-consuming, and challenging. Cross-platform frameworks such as Expo and React Native can help with that. When used React Native with Expo together, they provide a strong, adaptable, and effective method for creating excellent mobile apps from a single codebase.
If you’re a developer, product manager, or startup founder trying to optimize your mobile app development process, this post will explain why using React Native and Expo to create cross-platform apps is the best option for 2025.
What is React Native?
React Native is a JavaScript framework for building native mobile apps. It was developed by Facebook and released in 2015. What makes it unique is its ability to let developers write mobile applications using React (a JavaScript library for building user interfaces) and then compile those apps to run on both iOS and Android platforms using native components.
Why React Native is Popular
React Native is widely used for a few key reasons:
- One codebase, two platforms: You don’t need to write separate code for iOS and Android.
- Performance: Unlike hybrid solutions (like Cordova), React Native apps run using real native components.
- Large community: With a huge number of open-source libraries and community support, it’s easy to find solutions and plugins.
- Live reload and hot reload: Changes in code can reflect almost instantly in the app, speeding up the development process.
React Native is used by companies like Instagram, Shopify, Tesla, and Walmart, proving it’s robust enough for both startups and enterprise applications.
What Is Expo?
Expo is a platform built on top of React Native that makes it easier to start and manage your mobile app project. Think of Expo as a helpful toolkit that removes a lot of the heavy lifting involved in native app development.
Key Features of Expo
- No need to install Android Studio or Xcode to get started
- Expo Go App lets you instantly preview your app on a physical device
- Built-in APIs for camera, location, push notifications, and more
- Over-the-air updates so you can push updates without waiting for app store approvals
Expo removes a lot of the friction developers typically face, especially when getting started or building MVPs quickly.
Also Read : Why should you opt to react native for mobile app development?
Why Use React Native with Expo Together?
React Native gives you power and flexibility. Expo gives you speed and simplicity. Together, they strike the perfect balance between control and convenience.
Let’s break down the reasons why this combo is ideal for building modern mobile apps.
1. One Codebase, Two Platforms
One of the biggest reasons developers choose React Native with Expo is the ability to write once and deploy everywhere. With React Native, you write your React app in TypeScript and React, and it runs on both iOS and Android.
Benefits for Teams and Budgets
- No need to hire separate iOS and Android developers.
- Faster development cycles mean quicker time-to-market.
- Easier to maintain and debug since changes apply to both platforms.
This is particularly helpful for startups and small businesses that want to launch an app without doubling development costs. Hiring experienced React Native developers ensures that your app is not only built faster but also follows best practices from the start.
2. Fast Prototyping with Expo
Building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)? Expo makes it incredibly fast to go from idea to a working prototype.
Features That Speed Things Up
- Expo Go lets you test your app on your phone instantly.
- Prebuilt components and libraries save time on UI and functionality.
- No setup hassle – just npx create-expo-app and you’re rolling.
This is ideal for agile teams and early-stage projects that need to test ideas quickly with real users. Working with a React Native App Development Company ensures you can move just as fast – without compromising on quality.
3. Native Performance Without Native Code
React Native bridges the gap between web development ease and native performance. With components like View, Text, and ScrollView, you’re actually rendering native UI elements, not web views.
With Expo, You Get:
- Smooth animations via libraries like React Native Reanimated
- Access to hardware like camera, GPS, and accelerometer
- Support for Push Notifications and Background Tasks
You get the performance of native apps, without diving into Objective-C or Kotlin. A key reason businesses often choose to hire React Native developers who specialize in crafting apps that don’t just work, but work beautifully.
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4. Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates
Traditional apps require users to update via the App Store or Google Play. With Expo, you can push updates instantly using OTA updates.
Why This Makes a Huge Difference
- Fix bugs or release features without waiting on app store approvals.
- Deliver real-time improvements, especially useful during testing phases.
- Maintain better control over the app experience.
OTA updates can reduce churn and increase user satisfaction, especially in fast-moving products.
5. Easy Third-Party Integrations
Both React Native and Expo support a wide range of third-party packages and APIs. Whether you’re integrating Stripe for payments, Firebase for backend, or Mapbox for location features – you’re covered.
Key Integrations
- Firebase for authentication, database, and analytics
- Stripe or Razorpay for payments
- React Navigation for seamless screen transitions
- Lottie for smooth animations
With a growing ecosystem, adding new features is fast and flexible.
6. Strong Developer Experience
React Native with Expo offer one of the best developer experiences in mobile development today.
Dev Tools That Make a Difference
- Hot Reloading: See changes in real-time without losing app state.
- Expo Dev Client: Custom builds without ejecting from Expo.
- Prebuilt Templates: Speed up onboarding for new team members.
- Live Debugging with Flipper and React DevTools
Developers can focus on building features rather than fighting with native configurations. When you bring on expert React Native developers, you’re investing in a team that can make the most of this environment – saving time and reducing long-term costs.
7. Scalability and Maintainability
Apps built with React Native and Expo aren’t just for MVPs – they scale. Companies like Coinbase and Blinkist use them to build and maintain large-scale mobile apps.
How They Help Scale
- Modular architecture for code reuse
- TypeScript support for type safety and refactoring
- EAS (Expo Application Services) for managed builds and deployment
- Easy CI/CD integration with tools like GitHub Actions
These features make it easy for teams to grow and iterate fast without creating tech debt. When working with a professional React Native development company, you benefit from code that’s modular, maintainable, and designed with growth in mind
8. Seamless Deployment with Expo EAS
Expo’s EAS (Expo Application Services) enables:
- Cloud builds for iOS and Android apps
- Submission to app stores without local Xcode or Android Studio setup
- OTA updates through Expo’s servers
This means developers can build and deploy production-ready apps entirely in the cloud.
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9. Large Community and Ecosystem
The strength of the React Native and Expo community means you’re never building alone. From open-source libraries to active discussion forums, developers can find solutions, examples, and guidance easily.
That means tons of:
- Tutorials and documentation
- Open-source packages
- Q&A on GitHub and StackOverflow
This is one of the key reasons businesses partner with experienced React Native development companies – they already know the ecosystem inside and out.
10. Future-Proof with Regular Updates
React Native and Expo both receive regular updates, performance improvements, and support for new platform features like:
- Dynamic Island for iOS
- Android 14 compatibility
- Web and desktop support (via React Native Web)
That makes them future-proof choices as mobile platforms evolve.
When Should You Not Use React Native with Expo?
While React Native with Expo are great for most apps, they may not be the best fit if:
- Your app requires heavy 3D graphics or advanced AR/VR
- You need highly customized native features not supported by Expo
- You’re building a very lightweight app with zero dependencies
But for 90% of business use-cases, they’re more than capable.
Final Thoughts
When you use React Native with Expo to develop your mobile app, you can benefit from the efficiency of a single codebase, the speed of web development, and the power of native performance. This is a business-savvy, forward-thinking choice that enables teams to work more quickly, iterate more rapidly, and launch with confidence on both iOS and Android.
This combination enables you to create better apps more quickly, whether you’re developing an MVP, updating an old app, or releasing the next big thing.
Launch Scalable Mobile Apps Using React Native With Expo
Want to create a mobile app that works quickly, reliably, and is simple to use? We make applications that perform well on both iOS and Android at Krishang Technolab by using React Native with Expo. Our team creates scalable solutions that allow for growth with your business, whether you’re launching a new product or making an existing app better. We put the most important things for your users first, from easy-to-use design to smooth performance. Let’s work together to make your mobile app concept a reality in a way that is fast, easy, and without any problems.