How to upgrade to Expo SDK 55
Key Points
- New Architecture is required
- Replace expo-av with expo-video/expo-audio
- Use development builds and test on a branch
Summary
Expo SDK 55 moves to React Native 0.83.2 and React 19.2, requires the New Architecture, and drops expo-av in favor of expo-video and expo-audio. This release supports Android API level 36 and Xcode 16.1+, and keeps minimum OS targets at Android 7+ and iOS 15.1+. Use development builds to isolate upgrades from Expo Go and follow a staged approach to minimize risk.
Key Points
- New Architecture required: SDK 55 no longer supports the Old Architecture — migrate to the New Architecture before or separate from the SDK upgrade.
- Platform and toolchain: RN 0.83.2, React 19.2, Android API 36, Xcode 16.1+, min OS Android 7+ / iOS 15.1+.
- Package changes: expo-av removed — replace with expo-video and expo-audio.
- Hermes v1: opt-in for potential performance gains; may increase build time due to building RN from source.
- Recommended workflow:
- Work on a separate branch and create development builds (npx expo run:android / run:ios or eas go) instead of relying on Expo Go.
- If you haven’t adopted New Architecture, upgrade to New Architecture on SDK 54 first, validate with a development build, then upgrade to SDK 55.
- Use the SDK 55 changelog and troubleshooting guides before and during the upgrade.
- Automation: consider the expo/skills Claude Code upgrade skill to automate version updates and common fixes, but always review changes manually.
- Troubleshooting and support: collect native logs (adb logcat, macOS Console), create a minimal reproduction repo, and open a GitHub issue or discuss on community channels if needed.
Quick Upgrade Checklist
- Read the SDK 55 changelog and breaking changes.
- Migrate to New Architecture (preferably on SDK 54).
- Replace expo-av usage with expo-video / expo-audio.
- Enable Hermes v1 only after profiling its effects for your app.
- Build a development build and test on target devices.
- Open a minimal-repro GitHub issue for any blocking bugs.