[Due for payment 2026-07-21] Upgrade RN to 0.85 and Expo SDK 56

[mountiny]

Upgrade React Native (RN) to the Latest Version for Enhanced Performance and Compatibility

Background:

Over time, our codebase has grown to include numerous custom patches, and the open-source ecosystem around React Native continues to evolve with frequent updates, performance improvements, and new features. Third-party libraries often adapt quickly to these changes.

Problem:

Using an outdated React Native version complicates patch management, restricts compatibility with modern libraries, and negatively impacts app performance and stability.

Solution:

• Upgrade React Native to 0.85 and Expo SDK 56
• Audit and remove unnecessary patches
• Conduct thorough testing for stability.

Issue Owner

Current Issue Owner: @jakubstec

[mountiny]

@jakubstec Let's plan out how we will process this update, lets start with all the dependencies we can update in prs before the RN and Expo so we make sure the PRs are as small as possible

[jakubstec]

I'll catch up with @war-in and come up with a proper plan tomorrow! ☺️☺️

[jakubstec]

Okay so, I think we'll start with the patches, then I'll try to build a project locally with bumped RN and expo (with Upgrade helper), then I'll build on all the platforms and fix potential problems - then go through necessary dependencies that need to be updated and finally bump RN and expo (also remembering to simultaneously make prs to Mobile-Expensify)

kudos to @war-in for already bumping react-native-live-markdown 🥳

Also, I'll be OoO 01.06 - 05.06, so I'll work on it as soon as I'm back if that's okay! Meanwhile, Marcin will help me here when i'm away:)

[war-in]

From @jakubstec's investigation, looks like we have to upgrade react-native-reanimated and react-native-worklets before the main React Native bump PR. I'll prepare a PR soon.

@mountiny can I get the issue for it? 🙏