Expo or bare React Native — which should I use?

For the large majority of apps, Expo. Managed builds, OTA updates and config plugins now cover almost everything bare React Native does, with far less maintenance. I'll flag the rare cases where bare is genuinely the better call.

Can Expo use native modules and custom native code?

Yes. With config plugins and the development-build workflow you can add any native dependency you need — you're not limited to what ships in Expo Go.

Can you migrate my existing bare app to Expo?

In most cases, yes. I audit the native dependencies first, then move the project onto Expo incrementally so it keeps building and shipping throughout.

Do over-the-air updates break App Store rules?

No, when used correctly. EAS Update is for JavaScript and asset changes, not shipping a fundamentally different app — I set it up to stay well within Apple and Google's guidelines.

← All services

Expo & EAS

Expo development

Expo has become the fastest, most reliable way to build and ship React Native apps — managed native builds, over-the-air updates, and a toolchain that just works. It's the stack I reach for on most new projects.

I build apps on Expo end to end and set up the EAS pipelines that get them into both stores, and I help teams migrate onto Expo without losing the native power they need.

Get in touch See case studies

Who this is for

Founders who want a new cross-platform app shipped quickly and cleanly
Teams tired of babysitting native build tooling and signing
Bare React Native projects that want the managed workflow and OTA updates
Anyone who needs custom native modules but still wants Expo's ergonomics

How I help

New Expo apps

Idea to both stores on Expo + TypeScript: navigation, data, auth, payments and push, built the way the platform intends.

EAS Build & Submit pipelines

Automated cloud builds and store submission for iOS and Android — no more fighting Xcode and Gradle locally or juggling certificates.

OTA updates (EAS Update)

Ship JavaScript fixes and features over the air, within store rules, so you're not waiting on review for every change.

Bare → managed & RN → Expo migration

Move an existing bare React Native app onto Expo (or the managed workflow), including config plugins for the native code you depend on.

How I ship

Reliable delivery is mostly about the pipeline. Here's exactly how I automate builds and releases:

Frequently asked questions

Trusted by teams behind

Hays TravelFrasers PropertyLoosidWalterscheidShaeFitalive5

“Extremely attentive to details, respectful, loyal, and always very committed. I'd strongly recommend him as an addition to any team.”
— MJ Gottlieb, CEO, Loosid

Building on Expo?

Whether it's a new app or a pipeline that keeps breaking, tell me what you need and I'll suggest the cleanest path.

Start a conversation