React Native or Native? Airbnb’s Exit Offers a Wake-Up Call for App Founders

Airbnb’s React Native Journey: A Quick Recap

In 2016, Airbnb embraced React Native as a modern, cost-effective approach to mobile app development. With its promise of “write once, run everywhere,” React Native was seen as the bridge between swift deployment and scalable tech. By 2018, however, Airbnb made headlines with a strategic pivot back to native app development. The tech world took notice, sparking fresh debates around React Native vs Native development strategies.

Airbnb’s decision wasn’t made lightly—it followed two years of experimentation, iteration, and deep technical learnings. Their story isn't just about one company changing course; it's a cautionary tale, especially relevant for mobile app startups in 2025 trying to choose the best tech stack.

Why Airbnb Abandoned React Native

Airbnb’s shift away from React Native revealed several important challenges:

1. Performance Bottlenecks:
React Native's bridge architecture—used to communicate between JavaScript and native APIs—introduced latency and inefficiencies. This was particularly noticeable in media-rich UI features and animations that needed native-like fluidity.

2. Debugging Complexity:
Developers often struggled to diagnose whether issues stemmed from JavaScript logic, React Native framework, or the underlying native code. This ambiguity slowed development velocity significantly.

3. Platform-Specific Workarounds:
Contrary to the vision of code reusability, Airbnb's engineers found themselves writing platform-specific logic for key features. In essence, they were maintaining two codebases under the guise of one.

4. Developer Experience:
Tools like hot reloading were unreliable, build times were lengthy, and switching contexts between native and React Native languages (Java, Swift, JavaScript) proved frustrating.

5. Long-Term Maintenance Issues:
Maintaining a hybrid app eventually became as resource-intensive as managing two separate native apps. This defeated the core cost-saving goal of choosing React Native in the first place.

React Native vs. Native Development: What’s the Real Difference?

Both platforms offer unique advantages depending on the app’s complexity, long-term goals, and performance requirements.

Native App Development:

• Performance: Direct access to platform-specific APIs ensures high-speed execution.

• User Experience: Native UIs feel smoother and more intuitive to users.

• Device Access: Full hardware access enables features like facial recognition software, AI-based sensors, or real-time GPS tracking.

• Scalability: Better suited for apps with heavy backend processing or real-time interactions.

React Native:

• Time-to-Market: A shared codebase significantly reduces development time.

• Cost Efficiency: Especially valuable for startups with limited resources.

• Hot Reloading: Enables faster testing and iteration cycles.

• Community Support: A large and growing open-source community offers tools, libraries, and documentation.

Scalability and Performance: Where Cross-Platform Can Fall Short

In theory, cross-platform frameworks promise scalability. But in practice, React Native limitations become apparent as app complexity grows:

• Animations lag behind native equivalents.

• Data-intensive features such as video streaming, AR integrations, or AI security and surveillance systems perform better natively.

• Third-party library reliance often results in version incompatibilities or limited support for new native APIs.

Airbnb’s team noted a performance drop when trying to implement heavy, customized animations and data-driven features, which are critical for their Airbnb clone app experience.

When React Native Works—and When It Doesn’t

React Native is ideal for:

• MVPs (Minimum Viable Products)

• Internal apps or dashboards

• Simple consumer apps with low interactivity

• Apps targeting a broad audience on a limited budget

React Native falls short for:

• Apps requiring high-performance graphics

• Apps that heavily depend on real-time data processing

• Use-cases requiring deep native integrations

• Advanced mobile AI/ML features

Should Startup Founders Still Choose Cross-Platform in 2025?

Yes—but only with caveats.

In 2025, cross-platform frameworks have matured, but the core architecture challenges remain. If your product is likely to evolve into a feature-rich platform, investing in native app development early may save time and cost long-term.

✅ Good for startups building MVPs
❌ Risky for startups entering crowded, performance-critical markets

If your roadmap includes integrations like biometric authentication, advanced location tracking, or video conferencing, going native might be the smarter move.

Hidden Costs of Cross-Platform Development

While React Native may seem cost-effective at first glance, there are hidden costs to consider:

• Increased Debugging Time: Slower development cycles due to complex issue tracing.

• Dual Skill Requirements: Teams need expertise in both React Native and native environments.

• Technical Debt: Workarounds today become obstacles tomorrow.

• Performance Optimization: Retrofitting performance into a cross-platform app later is expensive.

What App Owners Can Learn from Airbnb’s Experience

Airbnb’s journey teaches us to balance innovation with practicality. Here’s what founders can take away:

• Don't compromise user experience for short-term savings.

• Choose frameworks that align with your long-term product vision.

• Plan for scale from day one, even if you’re just launching an MVP.

The decision to move away from React Native wasn’t an indictment—it was a reassessment of priorities. If your app requires intense UX polish, real-time responsiveness, or AI-powered functionalities, native might be your safest bet.

Expert Advice: Making the Right Tech Decision for Your App

To avoid common pitfalls, follow this founder-friendly roadmap:

1. Start with an MVP – Test your idea with minimal investment.

2. Map the app’s complexity – List future features like real-time chat, AR, or voice recognition.

3. Assess your team’s skill set – Don’t force React Native if you lack strong JavaScript or native expertise.

4. Budget for future refactors – If you choose cross-platform now, be ready for native rebuilds down the line.

5. Monitor performance from day one – Don’t wait until users complain.

"Choose a tech stack not just for launch—but for the journey after," says Vikram Sharma, Senior App Strategist at Hyena Information Technologies.

Choosing the Right Development Partner for Your App Journey

Whether you're building a mobile app startup, an Airbnb clone app, or a niche AI-powered solution, choosing the right partner is half the battle.

Hyena Information Technologies is recognized globally for its tailored solutions and enterprise-grade mobile app development. With a strong presence in the Middle East, USA, UK, and India, Hyena delivers:

• Native Android & iOS development

• Cross-platform solutions (React Native, Flutter)

• AI-powered mobile solutions (Facial recognition, surveillance)

• Custom app strategies for startups and enterprises

Their team blends innovation with robust execution, ensuring each app aligns with business goals and user needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is React Native dead in 2025?
A: No. It’s evolving. However, it’s not ideal for every use case—especially complex, performance-heavy apps.

Q: Can I start with React Native and switch to native later?
A: Yes, but it will require significant refactoring. It’s best to plan for such transitions early.

Q: What is the biggest risk of using React Native for a startup?
A: Scalability issues and unpredictable performance bottlenecks that can lead to costly rewrites.

Q: How do I decide between React Native and native development?
A: Consider your app’s complexity, desired UX quality, long-term features, and your team’s strengths.

Q: Is Hyena Information Technologies a good choice for building native apps?
A: Absolutely. With a proven track record across the globe and a commitment to tailored tech strategies, Hyena stands out as a top-tier development partner.

Final Takeaway

Airbnb’s pivot from React Native to native development offers a powerful lesson: technology choices must evolve with the product.

If you’re at the beginning of your app journey, the React Native vs Native debate is more than just technical—it’s strategic. Founders must weigh short-term speed against long-term sustainability.

For feature-rich, scalable, high-performance apps, native development continues to be the gold standard. But for MVPs and budget-sensitive launches, React Native remains a solid contender.

Choosing the right tech stack—and the right development partner—can make or break your app’s future. Let companies like Hyena Information Technologies guide your mobile journey with clarity, innovation, and world-class execution