Question: Current support status for React Native New Architecture / Expo SDK 54+

Question: Current support status for React Native New Architecture / Expo SDK 54+

Hi WatermelonDB maintainers/community,

We are using WatermelonDB in a React Native / Expo app for offline-first local storage. The app depends on local relational data, offline writes, and sync.

Before continuing deeper with WatermelonDB, we want to understand the current and future compatibility status with React Native New Architecture.

Questions

1. What is the current supported status of WatermelonDB with:

   • React Native New Architecture
   • JSI enabled
   • Bridgeless mode
   • Expo SDK 54+
   • Android release builds
   • iOS release builds

2. Is there an official recommended setup for Expo/EAS projects using WatermelonDB with New Architecture enabled?

3. Are there known limitations or required workarounds for:

   • autolinking
   • Android native setup
   • Babel / decorators
   • JSI bindings
   • bridgeless mode

4. Is New Architecture support part of the active roadmap?

5. If WatermelonDB currently depends on the interop layer or legacy bridge assumptions, is that considered stable for production use?

Environment

Expo SDK: 54.0.35
React Native: 0.81.5
WatermelonDB: 0.28.0
Platform: Android + iOS
Build system: EAS Build
New Architecture: currently false / testing true
Hermes: true

Related issues

• #1851 - RN 0.76+ / JSI support question
• #1769 - Bridgeless / New Architecture support
• #1833 - JSI module issue on RN 0.74.3

Any clarity on the recommended production path would be helpful.

Thanks.