1# New Architecture
2 
3The 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.
4 
5## Documentation
6 
7Full guide: https://docs.expo.dev/guides/new-architecture/
8 
9## What Changed
10 
11- **JSI (JavaScript Interface)** — Direct synchronous calls between JS and native
12- **Fabric** — New rendering system with concurrent features
13- **TurboModules** — Lazy-loaded native modules with type safety
14 
15## SDK Compatibility
16 
17| SDK Version | New Architecture Status |
18| ----------- | ----------------------- |
19| SDK 53+     | Enabled by default      |
20| SDK 52      | Opt-in via app.json     |
21| SDK 51-     | Experimental            |
22 
23## Configuration
24 
25New Architecture is enabled by default. To explicitly disable (not recommended):
26 
27```json
28{
29  "expo": {
30    "newArchEnabled": false
31  }
32}
33```
34 
35## Expo Go
36 
37Expo Go only supports the New Architecture as of SDK 53. Apps using the old architecture must use development builds.
38 
39## Common Migration Issues
40 
41### Native Module Compatibility
42 
43Some older native modules may not support the New Architecture. Check:
44 
451. Module documentation for New Architecture support
462. GitHub issues for compatibility discussions
473. Consider alternatives if module is unmaintained
48 
49### Reanimated
50 
51React Native Reanimated requires `react-native-worklets` in SDK 54+:
52 
53```bash
54npx expo install react-native-worklets
55```
56 
57### Layout Animations
58 
59Some layout animations behave differently. Test thoroughly after upgrading.
60 
61## Verifying New Architecture
62 
63Check if New Architecture is active:
64 
65```tsx
66import { Platform } from "react-native";
67 
68// Returns true if Fabric is enabled
69const isNewArch = global._IS_FABRIC !== undefined;
70```
71 
72Verify from the command line if the currently running app uses the New Architecture: `bunx xcobra expo eval "_IS_FABRIC"` -> `true`
73 
74## Troubleshooting
75 
761. **Clear caches** — `npx expo start --clear`
772. **Clean prebuild** — `npx expo prebuild --clean`
783. **Check native modules** — Ensure all dependencies support New Architecture
794. **Review console warnings** — Legacy modules log compatibility warnings
80