[blog] Add 0.85 release post by alanleedev · Pull Request #5038 · facebook/react-native-website

alanleedev · 2026-04-07T17:28:35Z

Add the release blog post for React Native 0.85 covering the new Animation Backend, DevTools improvements, Metro TLS support, Jest preset migration, and other breaking changes. Also adds missing author entries to authors.yml.

netlify · 2026-04-07T17:30:35Z

✅ Deploy Preview for react-native ready!

Name	Link
🔨 Latest commit	`1530472`
🔍 Latest deploy log	https://app.netlify.com/projects/react-native/deploys/69d677cf3fc77700088b9044
😎 Deploy Preview	https://deploy-preview-5038--react-native.netlify.app
📱 Preview on mobile	Toggle QR Code... Use your smartphone camera to open QR code link.

To edit notification comments on pull requests, go to your Netlify project configuration.

Add the release blog post for React Native 0.85 covering the new Animation Backend, DevTools improvements, Metro TLS support, Jest preset migration, and other breaking changes. Also adds missing author entries to authors.yml.

Add animation backend demo GIFs for iOS and Android, and DevTools macOS tabs screenshot. Update blog post to reference the new assets.

alanleedev · 2026-04-08T03:51:36Z

Blog post preview: https://deploy-preview-5038--react-native.netlify.app/blog/2026/04/06/react-native-0.85

Simek

Few small suggestions.

- Use internal link for animations#caveats - Add title parameter to metro.config.js and jest.config.js code blocks - Use sh instead of text for CLI command code block

slorber · 2026-04-08T07:54:52Z

+
+You can find more examples under [`react-native/packages/rn-tester/js/examples/AnimationBackend/`](https://github.com/facebook/react-native/tree/main/packages/rn-tester/js/examples/AnimationBackend).
+
+To opt in, enable `useSharedAnimatedBackend` and `cxxNativeAnimatedEnabled` in `ReactNativeFeatureFlags`.


Are these flags considered public API?
I don't remember seeing them documented anywhere. Isn't this more something that Expo would toggle instead of the average RN user?

cc @zeyap @bartlomiejbloniarz

@slorber This is not public API, will need to fix this.

@slorber blog post was updated (#5043 )and we'll be doing a 0.85.1 release next week.

Yeah is not. Thanks for catching it.

I've updated the blogpost here:

Minor fixes to the 0.85 blogpost #5043

slorber · 2026-04-08T07:57:00Z

+import {allowStyleProp} from 'react-native/Libraries/Animated/NativeAnimatedAllowlist';
+
+allowStyleProp('width');


This part surprised me. Is this documented anywhere? Aren't we supposed to avoid deep import paths?

cc @zeyap @bartlomiejbloniarz

@slorber That's right, we will remove the necessity to call allowStyleProp in 0.85.1

- Simplify Expo SDK paragraph wording - Update blog post date from 2026-04-06 to 2026-04-07

slorber · 2026-04-08T16:58:24Z

+date: 2026-04-07
+---
+
+# React Native 0.85 - New Animation Backend, TextInput Selection Data, New Jest Preset Package


FYI I don't see "TextInput Selection Data" being detailed in the post. Maybe that's on purpose but I would have expected a paragraph/example at least

Thanks for catching this. We removed this from the title/highlight.

* Bump serialize-javascript from 7.0.3 to 7.0.5 (facebook#5031) * Bump serialize-javascript from 7.0.3 to 7.0.5 Bumps [serialize-javascript](https://github.com/yahoo/serialize-javascript) from 7.0.3 to 7.0.5. - [Release notes](https://github.com/yahoo/serialize-javascript/releases) - [Commits](yahoo/serialize-javascript@v7.0.3...v7.0.5) --- updated-dependencies: - dependency-name: serialize-javascript dependency-version: 7.0.5 dependency-type: indirect ... Signed-off-by: dependabot[bot] <support@github.com> * update lock --------- Signed-off-by: dependabot[bot] <support@github.com> Co-authored-by: dependabot[bot] <49699333+dependabot[bot]@users.noreply.github.com> Co-authored-by: Bartosz Kaszubowski <gosimek@gmail.com> * Bump path-to-regexp from 0.1.12 to 0.1.13 (facebook#5032) Bumps [path-to-regexp](https://github.com/pillarjs/path-to-regexp) from 0.1.12 to 0.1.13. - [Release notes](https://github.com/pillarjs/path-to-regexp/releases) - [Changelog](https://github.com/pillarjs/path-to-regexp/blob/v.0.1.13/History.md) - [Commits](pillarjs/path-to-regexp@v0.1.12...v.0.1.13) --- updated-dependencies: - dependency-name: path-to-regexp dependency-version: 0.1.13 dependency-type: indirect ... Signed-off-by: dependabot[bot] <support@github.com> Co-authored-by: dependabot[bot] <49699333+dependabot[bot]@users.noreply.github.com> * mixBlendMode is Android 10+ (facebook#5033) * make project name and codegen config consistent (facebook#4924) Co-authored-by: Bartosz Kaszubowski <gosimek@gmail.com> * backport iOS native module changes to versioned docs (facebook#5036) * [blog] Add 0.85 release post (facebook#5038) * Add React Native 0.85 blog post Add the release blog post for React Native 0.85 covering the new Animation Backend, DevTools improvements, Metro TLS support, Jest preset migration, and other breaking changes. Also adds missing author entries to authors.yml. * Add images for 0.85 blog post Add animation backend demo GIFs for iOS and Android, and DevTools macOS tabs screenshot. Update blog post to reference the new assets. * Display animation backend GIFs side by side in a table * Fix prettier lint for markdown table formatting * Fix prettier table formatting via --write * Apply PR feedback from Simek - Use internal link for animations#caveats - Add title parameter to metro.config.js and jest.config.js code blocks - Use sh instead of text for CLI command code block * Apply huntie's feedback and update date to 2026-04-07 - Simplify Expo SDK paragraph wording - Update blog post date from 2026-04-06 to 2026-04-07 * [docs] Cut branch 0.85 (facebook#5040) * Update releases-table.md for 0.85 (facebook#5041) * Minor fixes to the 0.85 blogpost (facebook#5043) * fix code snippet in 0.85 blog post (facebook#5045) * [blog] Remove TextInput selection data from 0.85 blog post (facebook#5046) * Add supported Node.js version examples to 0.85 blog post (facebook#5044) Illustrate the EOL Node.js versions section with bullet points showing which versions are supported and which are not. https://claude.ai/code/session_012yWt7ffvxSWY3L9JsbyFu3 Co-authored-by: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com> * migrate monorepo back to Yarn Classic (facebook#5047) * docs(cndocs): sync linking.md * docs(cndocs): sync getting-started.md * docs(cndocs): sync switch.md * docs(cndocs): sync network.md * docs(cndocs): sync handling-touches.md * docs(cndocs): sync permissionsandroid.md * docs(cndocs): sync publishing-to-app-store.md * docs(cndocs): sync timers.md * docs(cndocs): sync scrollview.md * docs(cndocs): sync sectionlist.md * docs(cndocs): sync touchablehighlight.md * docs(cndocs): sync flatlist.md * docs(cndocs): sync usecolorscheme.md * docs(cndocs): sync usewindowdimensions.md * docs(cndocs): sync vibration.md * docs(cndocs): cleanup orphaned files and sync removed-API stubs * docs(cndocs): sync roottag.md * docs(cndocs): sync upgrading.md * docs(cndocs): sync style.md * docs(cndocs): sync security.md * docs(cndocs): sync progressbarandroid.md * docs(cndocs): sync optimizing-flatlist-configuration.md * docs(cndocs): sync pixelratio.md * docs(cndocs): sync releases/release-levels.md * docs(cndocs): sync platform-specific-code.md * docs(cndocs): sync settings.md * docs(cndocs): sync inputaccessoryview.md * docs(cndocs): sync turbo-native-modules-android.md * docs(cndocs): sync panresponder.md * docs(cndocs): sync react-native-gradle-plugin.md * docs(cndocs): sync the-new-architecture/pure-cxx-modules.md * docs(cndocs): sync legacy/native-modules-ios.md * docs(cndocs): sync flexbox.md Add Tabs wrapper with JavaScript and TypeScript SnackPlayer examples for 6 priority sections: - Flex Direction - Layout Direction - Align Items - Align Self - Flex Basis, Grow, and Shrink - Flex Wrap Also updated: - Heading levels (### to ##) - Links to yoga documentation (yogalayout.com to yogalayout.dev) - Proper markdown link syntax for prop references - Code formatting consistency (single quotes) * revert(cndocs): 恢复 getting-started.md，不照搬 EN Expo-first 版本 --------- Signed-off-by: dependabot[bot] <support@github.com> Co-authored-by: dependabot[bot] <49699333+dependabot[bot]@users.noreply.github.com> Co-authored-by: Bartosz Kaszubowski <gosimek@gmail.com> Co-authored-by: bigcupcoffee <24373206+bigcupcoffee@users.noreply.github.com> Co-authored-by: Brian Beckerle <49686530+brainbicycle@users.noreply.github.com> Co-authored-by: Alan Lee <42583872+alanleedev@users.noreply.github.com> Co-authored-by: Nicola Corti <corti.nico@gmail.com> Co-authored-by: Zeya Peng <zeyap@users.noreply.github.com> Co-authored-by: Alex Hunt <hello@alexhunt.dev> Co-authored-by: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>

meta-cla Bot added the CLA Signed label Apr 7, 2026

facebook-github-tools Bot added p: Facebook Partner labels Apr 7, 2026

alanleedev force-pushed the 0.85_blog_post branch from 3f3193e to 81aa46b Compare April 7, 2026 19:58

Add React Native 0.85 blog post

1427fa5

Add the release blog post for React Native 0.85 covering the new Animation Backend, DevTools improvements, Metro TLS support, Jest preset migration, and other breaking changes. Also adds missing author entries to authors.yml.

alanleedev force-pushed the 0.85_blog_post branch from 81aa46b to 1427fa5 Compare April 8, 2026 03:04

alanleedev added 3 commits April 7, 2026 20:35

Add images for 0.85 blog post

5ac0988

Add animation backend demo GIFs for iOS and Android, and DevTools macOS tabs screenshot. Update blog post to reference the new assets.

Display animation backend GIFs side by side in a table

0a1c069

Fix prettier lint for markdown table formatting

67a1d22

alanleedev marked this pull request as ready for review April 8, 2026 03:51

alanleedev requested review from cipolleschi, cortinico and fabriziocucci April 8, 2026 03:52

Fix prettier table formatting via --write

b6b02a0

Simek reviewed Apr 8, 2026

View reviewed changes

Comment thread website/blog/2026-04-06-react-native-0.85.md Outdated

Comment thread website/blog/2026-04-06-react-native-0.85.md Outdated

Comment thread website/blog/2026-04-06-react-native-0.85.md Outdated

Simek reviewed Apr 8, 2026

View reviewed changes

Comment thread website/blog/2026-04-06-react-native-0.85.md Outdated

Apply PR feedback from Simek

04e2e2f

- Use internal link for animations#caveats - Add title parameter to metro.config.js and jest.config.js code blocks - Use sh instead of text for CLI command code block

slorber reviewed Apr 8, 2026

View reviewed changes

huntie reviewed Apr 8, 2026

View reviewed changes

Comment thread website/blog/2026-04-06-react-native-0.85.md Outdated

Simek mentioned this pull request Apr 8, 2026

update Docusaurus to 3.10, perform related changes #5039

Merged

Apply huntie's feedback and update date to 2026-04-07

1530472

- Simplify Expo SDK paragraph wording - Update blog post date from 2026-04-06 to 2026-04-07

huntie approved these changes Apr 8, 2026

View reviewed changes

alanleedev merged commit fd36657 into facebook:main Apr 8, 2026
5 checks passed

slorber reviewed Apr 8, 2026

View reviewed changes


		You can find more examples under [`react-native/packages/rn-tester/js/examples/AnimationBackend/`](https://github.com/facebook/react-native/tree/main/packages/rn-tester/js/examples/AnimationBackend).

		To opt in, enable `useSharedAnimatedBackend` and `cxxNativeAnimatedEnabled` in `ReactNativeFeatureFlags`.

		import {allowStyleProp} from 'react-native/Libraries/Animated/NativeAnimatedAllowlist';

		allowStyleProp('width');

Conversation

alanleedev commented Apr 7, 2026

Uh oh!

netlify Bot commented Apr 7, 2026 • edited Loading Uh oh! There was an error while loading. Please reload this page.

Uh oh!

✅ Deploy Preview for react-native ready!

Uh oh!

alanleedev commented Apr 8, 2026

Uh oh!

Simek left a comment

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

slorber Apr 8, 2026

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

alanleedev Apr 8, 2026

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

alanleedev Apr 8, 2026

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

alanleedev Apr 8, 2026 • edited Loading Uh oh! There was an error while loading. Please reload this page.

Uh oh!

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

cortinico Apr 8, 2026

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

slorber Apr 8, 2026

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

alanleedev Apr 8, 2026

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

zeyap Apr 8, 2026 • edited Loading Uh oh! There was an error while loading. Please reload this page.

Uh oh!

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

slorber Apr 8, 2026

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

alanleedev Apr 8, 2026 • edited Loading Uh oh! There was an error while loading. Please reload this page.

Uh oh!

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

Reviewers

Assignees

Labels

Projects

Milestone

Development

Uh oh!

6 participants

netlify Bot commented Apr 7, 2026 •

edited

Loading

alanleedev Apr 8, 2026 •

edited

Loading

zeyap Apr 8, 2026 •

edited

Loading

alanleedev Apr 8, 2026 •

edited

Loading