Rocket Ship

Simon Grimm
  • 5.0 (7)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 1D AGO

    088 - 2025 in React Native: The Good, the Overhyped, and the Lessons Learned

    2025 is coming to an end - and instead of another release recap, this episode takes a step back. In this year-in-review, I reflect on what actually mattered in React Native in 2025: the shifts that changed how we build apps, what was overhyped, what quietly became important, and the lessons I’m taking into 2026. This is a calm, opinionated look at the year - from the perspective of someone building apps, teaching developers, and navigating a fast-moving ecosystem. 🧭 Topics in this episode 🔍 The big picture What kind of year 2025 really was for React NativeStability vs innovation: where the ecosystem landedWhy this year felt different from previous “big” RN years ⚛️ What actually mattered in 2025 Changes that genuinely affected day-to-day developmentWhere complexity moved (and where it didn’t)What turned out to be worth learning - and what wasn’t 📉 Overhyped vs underhyped Things that got more attention than they deservedTools and ideas that quietly proved their valueHow hype cycles affected developer decision-making 🧠 Personal lessons from the year What I underestimatedMistakes I wouldn’t repeatHow my approach to building, teaching, and content changed 🔮 Looking ahead to 2026 What I’m doubling down onWhat I’m deliberately saying “no” toAreas I’m curious about - but still skeptical 💬 Join the conversation What was your biggest takeaway from 2025? What do you want to leave behind - and what are you taking into 2026? Let me know on X / LinkedIn or in the YouTube comments. Thanks for listening - and see you in 2026 👋

    32 min

  2. DEC 16

    087 - React Native 0.83, Security Vulnerability, Faster Builds, Expo Router Sneak & AI Coding Challenges

    This week’s episode covers a big React Native release, a critical React security vulnerability, and a wave of performance and DX improvements across the ecosystem. I also share updates from Tiny Harvest and talk about the realities of AI-assisted coding as projects grow. ⚛️ React Native Radar 🚀 React Native 0.83 released📦 Release overview & what’s coming next in RN📊 State of React Native 2025 Survey is now open🎞️ Reanimated 4.2.0 with SET support⚡ Pre-built artifacts config plugin for significantly faster builds🔗 Detour – a new developer-friendly deep linking library🧾 True Sheet 3.0 released☁️ Nitro Cloud Uploader – resumable, background-friendly uploads🔐 react-native-quick-crypto 1.0 – fast JSI-based crypto APIs🧭 Expo Router previews🧩 iOS Widgets with Expo UI – native widgets driven from JS🧠 From My Projects: 🔧 Major refactor📊 Added app events & analytics🛍️ Brand new App Store page🚨 Trending in Tech Critical security vulnerability in React Server Components🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero 🔥 Weekly Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@galaxies_dev ❤️  Socials https://x.com/schlimmsonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongr👨‍💻 Apps Tiny Harvest: https://tinyharvest.app/Matrix Manager: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/matrix-manager-task-manager/id6739463021Quick Track: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quick-track-calorie-counter/id1669892980🔗 Links React Native 0.83: https://reactnative.dev/blog/2025/12/10/react-native-0.83React Native Releases: https://reactnative.dev/docs/next/releasesState of React Native survey: https://survey.2025.stateofreactnative.com/Reanimated 4.2.0: https://blog.swmansion.com/introducing-reanimated-4-2-0-71eea21ca861RN Pre-Built Artifacts: https://rnrepo.org/Detour for Deep linking: https://docs.swmansion.com/detour/True Sheet 3: https://sheet.lodev09.com/blog/release-3-0RN Nitro Cloud Uploader: https://github.com/Gautham495/react-native-nitro-cloud-uploaderRN Quick Crypto: https://github.com/margelo/react-native-quick-cryptoExpo Router Preview: https://x.com/Baconbrix/status/1998438240291049931Expo UI Widgets: https://x.com/k7grzywacz/status/1998387025615978645Critical Security Vulnerability: https://react.dev/blog/2025/12/03/critical-security-vulnerability-in-react-server-componentsMitigating vulnerabilities in RSC: https://expo.dev/changelog/mitigating-critical-security-vulnerability-in-react-server-components

    24 min

  3. DEC 2

    086 - CSS Grid, Faster JSON, Uniwind Experience, React Native Rails & Tiny Harvest Game Update

    This week’s episode covers a mix of major React Native updates, powerful new tools, and insights from publishing my AI-engineered farming game, Tiny Harvest. We also talk about early experiments like React Native Rails and what CSS Grid means for the future of layout on mobile. ⚛️ React Native Radar: ✨ Gifted Chat v3 rewrite – modernized API, performance fixes📦 New expo-targets library for advanced project configuration📄 React Navigation PageSheet – new modal presentation style🧻 ActionSheet v10 – cleaner API & better native behavior🎨 Skia zIndex – layering now works more intuitively⚡ Faster JSON parsing improvements from Tzvetan Mikov🧩 Expo Brownfield Target – integrate RN into existing native apps more easily🔲 CSS Grid is coming to React Native (!)🖥️ Radon IDE free trial – RN-focused development environment🍏 Apple Mini Apps Program announced📱 How Vercel built the v0 iOS app – great read on architecture & innovation🧠 From My Projects: 🌬️ My Uniwind experience — what I’ve learned using it in real projects🌾 I Built a Mobile Farming Game in 6 Days (AI + Expo)📲 Tiny Harvest is now available on iOS & Android: https://tinyharvest.app/🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero 🔥 Weekly Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@galaxies_dev ❤️  Socials https://x.com/schlimmsonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongr👨‍💻 Apps Matrix Manager: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/matrix-manager-task-manager/id6739463021Quick Track: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quick-track-calorie-counter/id1669892980Text to Voice AI: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/text-to-voice-ai-reader/id6739965632Healthy Food Swap: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthy-food-swap/id6743627410🔗 Links React Native Advent Calendar: https://galaxies.dev/calendar/2025Tiny Harvest: https://tinyharvest.app/Gifted Chat: https://github.com/FaridSafi/react-native-gifted-chatExpo Targets: https://github.com/csark0812/expo-targetsActions Sheet: https://github.com/ammarahm-ed/react-native-actions-sheet/releases/tag/v10.0.0Hermes JSON: https://x.com/tmikov/status/1993080321626284194Brownfield Target: https://x.com/swmansion/status/1991177091841208581CSS Grid: https://github.com/facebook/yoga/pull/1865Radon Free Plan: https://x.com/swmansion/status/1990801086622429568How we built the v0 iOS App: https://vercel.com/blog/how-we-built-the-v0-ios-app

    26 min

  4. NOV 18

    085 - Valdi vs React Native, Uniwind v1, WebGPU, Game Dev & AI Engineering

    This week’s episode is packed with performance breakthroughs, new UI tooling, graphics innovation, and my own deep dive into AI-assisted game development. We compare Valdi vs React Native, explore what Uniwind v1 means for the styling ecosystem, and look at how WebGPU is reshaping the future of graphics on mobile. ⚛️ React Native Radar: 🎉 Uniwind v1 released – a major milestone for fast Tailwind-style styling🦸 Hero UI Native now running on top of Uniwind🟣 Valdi – Snapchat’s cross-platform UI engine and how it compares to React Native⚡ WebGPU demo from Evan Bacon – real GPU compute inside RN🟠 Jelly Slider demo – slick, physics-driven UI interaction✨ Expo Splash Screen transitions are coming🔤 Animated Text API demo – smooth typography animations🔗 Shared Element Transitions arriving in the New Architecture🏆 Expo Awards pushed back🧠 From My Projects: 📺 My 8-hour Wolt Clone video is now live🎮 Highlights from last week’s React Native Godot livestream🌾 Deep insights from building Tiny Harvest using AI engineering🌪 Ecosystem Thoughts: Uniwind vs NativeWind — quick comparison and where each shines🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero 🔥 Weekly Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@galaxies_dev ❤️  Socials https://x.com/schlimmsonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongr👨‍💻 Apps Matrix Manager: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/matrix-manager-task-manager/id6739463021Quick Track: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quick-track-calorie-counter/id1669892980Text to Voice AI: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/text-to-voice-ai-reader/id6739965632Healthy Food Swap: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthy-food-swap/id6743627410🔗 Links Uniwind v1: https://www.reactnativecrossroads.com/posts/introducing-uniwind-the-fastest-tailwind-bindings-for-react-nativeHeroUI Native Beta: https://x.com/hero_ui/status/1985721976220966926Valdi: https://github.com/Snapchat/ValdiEvan GPU template: https://x.com/Baconbrix/status/1986562026714640767Jelly Slider: https://x.com/reczko_konrad/status/1986496404777205784npx testflight: https://docs.expo.dev/build-reference/npx-testflight/Simons Wolt clone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYftPYZJsy8Simons Godot Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDcOXpRPprUState of Nativewind: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1OwxWePNzmqGQ

    30 min

  5. NOV 4

    084 - Expo MCP, MMKV, Godot Games & React Native Package Confusion

    This week’s episode covers another wave of React Native ecosystem updates — from Expo’s new AI-native tools to faster storage, cross-framework experiments, and even a React Native + Godot integration. ⚛️ React Native Radar: 🤖 Expo MCP Server – build AI-native apps with the new MCP integration🧩 iOS Simulator MCP v1.5 – new Open/Launch/Install tools for dev automation⚡️ MMKV v4 released – faster, smaller, and now powered by Nitro Modules📱 React Native Nitro Device Info – device info at Nitro speed👆 Pressto updates – smoother tap interactions for React Native apps🎮 React Native Godot – open-sourced integration bringing game engine power to RN🧭 Onboarding component by Software Mansion – polished native onboarding UI💨 Uniwind Benchmarks – performance comparisons across styling solutions🤷‍♂️ Flutter with Expo? – launch a Flutter web app with Expo Launch🧠 From My Projects: 🍔 Wolt Clone recording done, video soon🧱 Planning an Advent Calendar and livestreams🚨 Trending in Tech: ❓ React Native Package Confusion – how to find the right packages?🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero 🔥 Weekly Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@galaxies_dev ❤️  Socials https://x.com/schlimmsonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongr👨‍💻 Apps Matrix Manager: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/matrix-manager-task-manager/id6739463021Quick Track: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quick-track-calorie-counter/id1669892980Text to Voice AI: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/text-to-voice-ai-reader/id6739965632Healthy Food Swap: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthy-food-swap/id6743627410🔗 Links Expo MCP: https://expo.dev/blog/become-an-ai-native-developer-with-the-expo-mcp-serveriOS Simulator MCP: https://github.com/joshuayoes/ios-simulator-mcp/releases/tag/v1.5.0MMKV v4: https://github.com/mrousavy/react-native-mmkv/releases/tag/v4.0.0Nitro Device Info: https://github.com/l2hyunwoo/react-native-nitro-device-infoPressto: https://github.com/enzomanuelmangano/presstoReact Native Godot: https://github.com/borndotcom/react-native-godotReact Native Onboarding: https://github.com/software-mansion-labs/react-native-onboardingUniwind Benchmarks: https://github.com/Unistyles-OSS/uniwind-benchmarksFlutter with Expo: https://x.com/cedric_dev/status/1984751533221953813

    28 min

  6. OCT 21

    #083 - React Native 0.82, The React Foundation, DevTools App, CSS Support, Uniwind & Split View Layout

    This week’s episode dives into all the major announcements from React Conf 2025—from the upcoming changes to React Native DevTools and React Foundation, to long-awaited features like CSS support and Hermes V1. Plus, I share updates on my latest projects, including the release of my Pocket Clone and progress on the Wolt Clone. ⚛️ React Native Radar: 🎉 React Native turns 10!🆕 React Native 0.82 released – major milestone for the new architecture🧩 React Native Screens 4.17 with key fixes🪟 Split View Layout support lands for multi-pane experiences🏆 Expo App Awards open for submissions🏗️ The React Foundation announced – new governance for React & RN🧰 New React Native DevTools (0.83 preview) – with performance and inspector improvements🎨 CSS support officially coming to React Native (along with Hermes v1)📚 React Conf 2025 Recap – biggest takeaways for React Native devs🚀 Nitro Tutorial by Marc Rousavy⚙️ Adding native code with Expo Modules – new official tutorial💨 Uniwind Beta – lightning-fast Tailwind bindings for RN🔗 Deep links improvements from Software Mansion🧠 From My Projects: ✅ Pocket Clone released – learnings from building it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSs4Dnz274k)🍔 Wolt Clone in progress – next big project🧱 Thoughts on the future of Expo UI and where it’s headed🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero 🔥 Weekly Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@galaxies_dev ❤️  Socials https://x.com/schlimmsonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongr👨‍💻 Apps Matrix Manager: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/matrix-manager-task-manager/id6739463021Quick Track: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quick-track-calorie-counter/id1669892980Text to Voice AI: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/text-to-voice-ai-reader/id6739965632Healthy Food Swap: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthy-food-swap/id6743627410🔗 Links React Native turned 10: https://x.com/reactnative/status/1976066079874220397React Native 0.82: https://reactnative.dev/blog/2025/10/08/react-native-0.82React Native Screens 4.17: https://github.com/software-mansion/react-native-screens/releases/tag/4.17.0React Foundation: https://react.dev/blog/2025/10/07/introducing-the-react-foundationDevTools Preview: https://x.com/huntie/status/1976094434958901476Expo CSS Support: https://x.com/Baconbrix/status/1976050536756691384React Conf 2025 Recap: https://react.dev/blog/2025/10/16/react-conf-2025-recapExpo App Awards: https://expo.dev/awardsHow to build a Nitro Module: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=528SxTGnIlcHow to build Expo Modules: https://expo.dev/blog/how-to-add-native-code-to-your-app-with-expo-modulesUniwind Public Beta: https://github.com/Unistyles-OSS/uniwindDetour: https://docs.swmansion.com/detour/Expo UI Thoughts: https://x.com/kudochien/status/1978805681378807936

    30 min

  7. OCT 7

    #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 polishReact Native 0.82 RC5 – new fixes before the full releaseVega OS – Amazon’s new platform for apps and gamesReact Native Enriched (RTE) – rich text editor by Software MansionNitro Fetch – faster networking from MargelolocalStorage API with Expo SQLiteLive Activities now even easier to integrateApp structure best practices for clarity and scalabilityOS Animations library now open sourceAccess iOS APIs directly from JS – new possibilitiesVoltra on the horizonUniWind public beta feedback looks promisingNativeWind v5 preview releasedHeader fix coming to React Native ScreensReact 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/schlimmsonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongr👨‍💻 Apps Matrix Manager: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/matrix-manager-task-manager/id6739463021Quick Track: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quick-track-calorie-counter/id1669892980Text to Voice AI: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/text-to-voice-ai-reader/id6739965632Healthy Food Swap: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthy-food-swap/id6743627410🔗 Links React 19.2: https://react.dev/blog/2025/10/01/react-19-2Vega OS: https://developer.amazon.com/apps-and-games/blogs/2025/09/announcing-vega-osReact Native Enriched: https://github.com/software-mansion/react-native-enrichedNitro Fetch: https://github.com/margelo/react-native-nitro-fetchExpo Live Activity: https://github.com/software-mansion-labs/expo-live-activityExpo App Folder Structure: https://expo.dev/blog/expo-app-folder-structure-best-practicesAnimated Demos: https://github.com/enzomanuelmangano/demosDirect Native API Access: https://x.com/birch_js/status/1971619696991740259Voltra: https://x.com/saul_sharma/status/1972161677165473980Nativewind v5 Preview: https://x.com/nativewindcss/status/1971247806271848535React Native Buoy: https://github.com/LovesWorking/react-native-buoy

    27 min

  8. SEP 23

    #081 - Expo SDK 54, Expo Router v6 & Expo UI Beta for iOS with Beto Moedano

    In this episode, I’m joined once again by Alberto Moedano aka Code with Beto. We discuss the exciting features of Expo SDK 54, including the introduction of React Native 0.81, the new Expo Router version 6, and the integration of Expo UI with SwiftUI. Beto and I also delve into the benefits of the Liquid Glass design, the improvements in build times, and the future of Expo Maps. Beto finally shares insights on his successful tool Snap AI and the importance of keeping up with SDK updates for better performance and user experience. 🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero 🔥 Weekly Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@galaxies_dev ❤️  Socials https://x.com/schlimmsonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongr🤝 Alberto Moedano Beto X: https://twitter.com/betomoedanoBeto YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codewithbetoCode with Beto Courses: https://codewithbeto.dev/🔗 Links Expo SDK 54: https://expo.dev/changelog/sdk-54Livestream "What's new in Expo SDK 54?": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBlbkjqxNbMExpo UI Docs: https://docs.expo.dev/guides/expo-ui-swift-ui/Expo UI iOS Liquid Glass Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wXYLWz3YEQSNapAI: https://github.com/betomoedano/snapai

    1h 5m
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Simon Grimm
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Simon Grimm
  • Show Website
    Rocket Ship

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