🎯 Introduction

In the early days of using React Native with Expo, developers enjoyed a simple, fast workflow — coding JavaScript, instantly seeing changes in Expo Go, and deploying basic apps without worrying about the native layers.

But as mobile apps have evolved (especially in 2024–2025), Expo Go is no longer enough for serious production apps.

Today, to unlock full power, developers must embrace the Bare Workflow — building real .ipa and .aab apps with native modules, CocoaPods, and Xcode.

In this blog, we’ll explore what changed, why it matters, and how to successfully make the transition without pain.

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🛠 What Is "Bare Workflow"?

Bare Workflow simply means:

• You manage the native iOS and Android parts yourself

• You run eas build, not just expo build

• You generate real production .ipa and .aab files

• You sometimes open Xcode or Android Studio

• You install CocoaPods (iOS) and native dependencies manually

✅ You still use Expo tools
✅ But now you control the full native code too

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🧠 Why Was Expo Go Enough Before?

Back in 2020–2024:

• Expo Go bundled most common native features

• Camera, location, media library — all included in the Expo Go app

• No need for pods, Xcode, or Android Studio

• You could preview apps instantly on real devices

Expo managed all the complex native linking behind the scenes.

Result?
Developers shipped simple apps faster without touching native code.

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💥 What Changed in 2024–2025?

1. Native Module Explosion

Modern apps now demand deeper native integrations:

• Advanced maps

• Custom camera controls

• Local authentication (FaceID, TouchID)

• Offline-first databases

• Bluetooth and NFC access

➡️ Many of these cannot be packaged into Expo Go anymore.

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2. Newer React Native Libraries Require Native Linking

Libraries like:

• react-native-screens

• react-native-reanimated

• react-native-gesture-handler

• expo-dev-client

all require direct CocoaPods installation and native linking.

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3. Expo’s EAS Build System Became the Standard

Expo introduced EAS Build, which lets you:

• Customize native code

• Use custom native plugins

• Create smaller and faster builds

• Integrate with App Store Connect easily

Using EAS Build puts you automatically closer to Bare Workflow.

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4. App Store and Play Store Requirements Tightened

• Higher iOS minimum deployment targets (e.g., iOS 13+)

• Mandatory permissions explanations (Info.plist editing)

• Optimized native libraries

Without native access, your app can't meet new store policies anymore.

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🎯 Why the Transition to Bare Workflow Is Now Essential

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🧩 Real Example: react-native-screens Crash

When upgrading to Bare Workflow, you may see errors like:

Invariant Violation: requireNativeComponent: "RNSScreen" was not found in the UIManager

Cause?

• react-native-screens was available in Expo Go

• But needs real native linking when building your .ipa via EAS

Solution?

• Install the correct version manually (npm install react-native-screens@3.18.0)

• Manage CocoaPods and deployment targets properly

Result?

• A fully functioning app on TestFlight and App Store

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📋 Key Things Developers Must Now Know

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🚀 Conclusion: Embrace the Change

Moving from Expo Go to Bare Workflow may feel like a steep climb at first.

But it unlocks:

• Better performance 🚀

• Full access to React Native’s growing ecosystem 🔥

• Native device features your users expect 📱

• Easier TestFlight and App Store submissions 🛒

• Future-proof builds for iOS 18+, Android 15+

✅ In 2025 and beyond, Bare Workflow is no longer optional —
it’s the new reality for serious mobile developers.

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💬 Final Tip:

If you’re transitioning today:

• Stay patient during the first pod installs and Xcode settings

• Don’t panic when builds fail the first time

• Use EAS Build guides and Expo forums