#082 - Expo App Structure, NativeWind v5, Expo Live Activity, Native APIs with JS & React Native Buoy

This week’s episode covers the latest React Native ecosystem updates, a few personal wins, and what’s next for my upcoming projects.

⚛️ React Native Radar:

• React 19.2 – small update, big polish
• React Native 0.82 RC5 – new fixes before the full release
• Vega OS – Amazon’s new platform for apps and games
• React Native Enriched (RTE) – rich text editor by Software Mansion
• Nitro Fetch – faster networking from Margelo
• localStorage API with Expo SQLite
• Live Activities now even easier to integrate
• App structure best practices for clarity and scalability
• OS Animations library now open source
• Access iOS APIs directly from JS – new possibilities
• Voltra on the horizon
• UniWind public beta feedback looks promising
• NativeWind v5 preview released
• Header fix coming to React Native Screens
• React Native Buoy – floating debug & support tools inside your app

🔥 Tiny Wins:

• 🏃‍♂️ Ran a Marathon in 3:36
• 💪 Back to cutting & strength training
• 🚴‍♂️ Got a Zwift setup for indoor rides

🧠 Build in Public:

• 📱 Pocket Clone coming soon
• 🍔 Wolt Clone up next
• 🪐 Started a new Galaxies.dev Mission

🚨 Trending in Tech:

• React Conf is around the corner!
• AI tools getting practical—like testing Apple submissions automatically

🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero

🔥 Weekly Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@galaxies_dev

❤️  Socials

• https://x.com/schlimmson
• https://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongr

👨‍💻 Apps

• Matrix Manager: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/matrix-manager-task-manager/id6739463021
• Quick Track: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quick-track-calorie-counter/id1669892980
• Text to Voice AI: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/text-to-voice-ai-reader/id6739965632
• Healthy Food Swap: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthy-food-swap/id6743627410

🔗 Links

• React 19.2: https://react.dev/blog/2025/10/01/react-19-2
• Vega OS: https://developer.amazon.com/apps-and-games/blogs/2025/09/announcing-vega-os
• React Native Enriched: https://github.com/software-mansion/react-native-enriched
• Nitro Fetch: https://github.com/margelo/react-native-nitro-fetch
• Expo Live Activity: https://github.com/software-mansion-labs/expo-live-activity
• Expo App Folder Structure: https://expo.dev/blog/expo-app-folder-structure-best-practices
• Animated Demos: https://github.com/enzomanuelmangano/demos
• Direct Native API Access: https://x.com/birch_js/status/1971619696991740259
• Voltra: https://x.com/saul_sharma/status/1972161677165473980
• Nativewind v5 Preview: https://x.com/nativewindcss/status/1971247806271848535
• React Native Buoy: https://github.com/LovesWorking/react-native-buoy

What is Rocket Ship?

Welcome aboard the Rocket Ship, the ultimate podcast voyage into the heart of React Native development with Simon Grimm! Whether you're a seasoned mobile app developer or just starting your journey, this is your go-to destination for all things React Native and Expo.