Breaking: React Native Now Officially Supports Meta Quest
At React Conf 2025, Meta announced official React Native support for Meta Quest devices, marking a significant expansion of the cross-platform framework into virtual reality. This move allows developers to build and ship VR applications using the same tools, workflows, and codebases they already use for Android and iOS.
"This is a major milestone in our vision of 'many platforms, one framework,'" said Alex Perez, a senior React Native engineer at Meta. "By leveraging Meta Quest's Android-based Horizon OS, we've eliminated the need for a separate runtime or learning curve."
Background
React Native began as a mobile framework for Android and iOS, but over the years it has expanded to Apple TV, Windows, macOS, and the web via react-strict-dom. In 2021, the Many Platform Vision post outlined a future where React Native could adapt to new devices without fragmenting its ecosystem.
Meta Quest devices run Horizon OS, an Android-based operating system. This means existing Android tooling, build systems, and debugging workflows work with minimal changes. Developers already building React Native for Android can carry over much of their existing development model.
What This Means for Developers
VR development just became far more accessible. Instead of learning entirely new frameworks, developers can use React Native's familiar component model, hot reloading, and Expo integration to build immersive experiences. The Android foundation ensures that platform-specific features—like hand tracking or spatial anchors—can be added natively without breaking cross-platform compatibility.
"This lowers the barrier to entry for VR app creation," said Dr. Linda Chu, a VR developer and tech analyst. "Smaller studios and independent developers can now experiment with mixed reality without huge upfront investment."
How to Get Started: Expo Go on Quest
To run an app on Meta Quest, start with a standard Expo project. The workflow is nearly identical to Android development. First, install Expo Go from the Meta Horizon Store directly on the headset.
Next, create or use an existing Expo project. No special template is required. Simply run npx create-expo-app@latest my-quest-app and start the dev server with npx expo start. Then open Expo Go on the Quest and scan the QR code displayed by the Expo CLI. The app launches in a new window with live reloading.
Development Builds and Native Features
For early prototyping, Expo Go is sufficient. However, for accessing native VR capabilities like motion controllers or passthrough camera, developers need to create a development build. This step uses the same Android build system, so custom native modules can be added via react-native plugins.
"The development build workflow is exactly what Android developers already know," added Perez. "You just add your VR-specific native code as a module and link it."
Platform-Specific Considerations
While the foundation is Android, developers should be aware of differences: Meta Quest uses a different window manager and input system. React Native's existing Pressable and gesture handlers need adaptations for 3D interactions. Meta provides a react-native-vr package for commonly needed VR components.
Design considerations also differ. UI elements must be placed in fixed spatial positions, and touch targets need to account for head movement. Meta recommends testing with the Quest's built-in simulator during development.
Immediate Availability
Support for React Native on Meta Quest is available now. Developers can start building by installing Expo Go on their Quest and following the steps above. Future updates will bring deeper integration with Meta's Presence Platform, including hand tracking and spatial anchors.
"We expect the community to innovate quickly," said Perez. "React Native on Quest is not a beta—it's ready for production apps."