React Native is an excellent framework for building cross-platform native mobile apps. However, there is one major issue at its core that is often either not talked about or simply misunderstood.
What is the problem?
Imagine an example where in order to finish a project, we need a specific resource that we can only get from someone who happens to be Japanese.
There is no Google Translate for us to use so. Therefore, the only way we can communicate with this person is to either learn Japanese or bring in someone who can do the communication for us. What you just read above perfectly illustrates an inherent flaw in React Native and the given name for this scenario is the creation of a “Bridge”, also known as “Bridging”.
Any time we need to access a platform API such as, for example, the microphone, camera, Bluetooth, or something as specific as Apple Music on an iPhone app, a bridge has to create.
If the process of creating bridges wasn’t bad enough to hear already, the bigger problem is that these bridges must be written in the platform’s language. Therefore, we’d likely still need to keep some developers nearby in case we have to build a bridge for some specific feature in iOS or Android, which will then finally be used by the React developer.
How can this be true, and why are developers not angry?
The answer to this question is expo.io, a tool built by the community to overcome the problems we’ve discussed with React Native.
In a nutshell, Expo comes with a bunch of bridges that developers can use along with other useful features as well, which are excellent.
Problem solved then, right?
Not exactly, Expo remedies the problem by not needing us to spend countless hours building bridges, but in return, it locks us into the Expo environment.
One of the many features we lose by using Expo is the ability to actually create a bridge ourselves if the need arises. This means that even if Expo helps us build 80% of our project if the remaining 20% can’t also be remedied with Expo, then we are screwed with two options:
- Sacrifice 20% of the project.
- Sacrifice using Expo, which then means building all the bridges manually ourselves, requiring iOS and Android developers on top of the React Native developers.
In summary, you’re either in or you’re out, there’s no in-between.
That’s pretty bad, is there anything else?
There’s one more aspect very important to this project, and that is the desktop app for Mac and Windows.
Expo does not support React Native desktop apps, so even if we could use Expo in our iOS and Android app, we’d have to build an entirely separate React Native project to handle the desktop app.
Even more troubling news, since we are using the base React Native solution without Expo, we’ll likely need C# and Swift developers to create the bridges for Windows and Mac.
Real-world enterprise problems
In Dev Centre House, we are developing native IOS & Android apps, in addition to using Nativescript, and also used to React Native. So as a software development company, we use and understand the different routes on hand for building IOS and Android apps. However, it often depends on the problem on hand, which we often get back to Native IOS & Android development.
Enterprises are often requesting to build apps using one unified platform like React Native or Nativescript to save cost, time, and development maintenance going forward. However, it is not always possible for all cases, and in some cases, we are still much better off going the fully native route to our experience working on all three.
Conclusion
We’re fully aware that this document puts the spotlight on React Native in a negative manner. However, it is vital to understand these flaws before resources are invested. Furthermore, everything can be crosschecked and verified using the references provided below, all of which are from official sources only. Above are some of the few issues you might face when needing to use React Native.
For this matter, what are the issues or challenges you are facing in your organization using React Native?
You can read this article on Github.
FAQ
Question: What is the fundamental problem with React Native?
Answer: The core issue with React Native is that it tries to bridge two fundamentally different platforms—iOS and Android—using a single codebase, which often results in performance compromises and platform inconsistencies. Dev Centre House Ireland dives deep into these limitations and helps businesses choose the right technology stack. Learn more at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: Why does React Native struggle with complex native integrations?
Answer: React Native relies on bridges to communicate with native APIs, which can introduce performance bottlenecks and development complexity, especially for apps with advanced hardware features. At Dev Centre House Ireland, we help you evaluate whether native or hybrid solutions are better suited for your app. Read more at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: Is React Native a good choice for MVP development?
Answer: React Native can be efficient for simple MVPs with limited functionality, but it may create scalability issues later. Dev Centre House Ireland guides startups on the best frameworks to match their roadmap. Explore your options at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: What are the performance drawbacks of React Native apps?
Answer: React Native apps often face issues like longer load times, frame drops, and suboptimal animations, especially compared to fully native apps. Dev Centre House Ireland builds high-performance solutions without compromising UX. Learn more at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: Why do some developers love React Native despite its flaws?
Answer: Its promise of code reuse and fast iteration appeals to many teams. However, as outlined by Dev Centre House Ireland, long-term scalability and performance should not be overlooked. Understand the trade-offs at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: How does React Native handle platform-specific UI challenges?
Answer: Developers often need to write separate code paths or use third-party packages to mimic native UI, leading to more complexity. Dev Centre House Ireland helps clients decide whether shared code is truly cost-effective. More at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: Is it true that React Native increases maintenance overhead?
Answer: Yes. Despite code reuse, managing platform-specific bugs, updates, and third-party libraries can increase total effort. Dev Centre House Ireland advises clients when a native approach may be more sustainable. Learn how at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: What industries should avoid using React Native?
Answer: Highly regulated or performance-sensitive sectors like finance, healthtech, and gaming may face limitations with React Native. Dev Centre House Ireland works with these industries to build compliant, efficient apps. Read about our work at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: Are there alternatives to React Native that Dev Centre House recommends?
Answer: Yes. Depending on your goals, Flutter, Swift, Kotlin, or progressive web apps (PWAs) might be more appropriate. Dev Centre House Ireland helps you evaluate the right choice. Explore frameworks at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: Can React Native apps scale well for enterprise use?
Answer: Scaling React Native for complex enterprise apps often requires deep native customisation, which offsets its initial simplicity. Dev Centre House Ireland specialises in building scalable systems that fit enterprise needs. See our solutions at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: What is the ‘bridging’ problem mentioned in the blog?
Answer: React Native uses a bridge to connect JavaScript and native code, which introduces latency and complexity when apps require heavy native functionality. Dev Centre House Ireland helps teams architect around this limitation. Learn how at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: How does React Native affect app store compliance and updates?
Answer: Platform-specific changes in Android or iOS can break functionality in React Native apps, requiring faster patch cycles. Dev Centre House Ireland monitors these risks and provides support plans. Get guidance at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: Is React Native suitable for long-term app development?
Answer: Not always. What starts as an efficient cross-platform strategy can turn into a tech debt issue over time. Dev Centre House Ireland helps businesses plan sustainable development strategies. More insights at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: Can performance issues in React Native be fixed?
Answer: Some can be mitigated with native modules and optimisation, but at a cost. Dev Centre House Ireland assists clients in optimising React Native, where appropriate, or migrating away when needed. Visit https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: What’s the business impact of poor mobile performance?
Answer: Slow or laggy apps increase churn, lower retention, and damage brand credibility. At Dev Centre House Ireland, we prioritise a smooth user experience in every app we deliver. Learn more at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: What kind of mobile projects are best suited for React Native?
Answer: Apps with simple functionality, minimal animations, and limited native requirements. Dev Centre House Ireland evaluates your app goals to determine if React Native is a fit. Explore use cases at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: Does React Native reduce initial development costs?
Answer: Yes, initially. But long-term costs can rise due to performance tuning and maintaining native compatibility. Dev Centre House Ireland helps clients balance cost, quality, and time to market. Read how at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: How do I decide between native and cross-platform development?
Answer: You should assess performance needs, user experience goals, and platform-specific functionality. Dev Centre House Ireland offers technical consultations to help you decide. Start your assessment at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en
Question: Can Dev Centre House support React Native codebases?
Answer: Yes. We support, audit, and optimise existing React Native apps while advising on the best path forward. Dev Centre House Ireland partners with businesses across Europe and beyond. Contact us at https://www.devcentrehouse.eu/en