[0.80] Deprecating deep imports from react-native — Feedback thread

[huntie]

Introduction

See the RFC | See the 0.80 release post (incoming)

🚨 Key change: In React Native 0.80, we are deprecating subpath imports (or "deep imports") from the react-native npm package.

By defining a clear, root-level JavaScript API contract, we aim to minimise future React Native breaking changes and improve long-term predictability for the ecosystem.

// Before - subpath imports allowed
import {Alert, AlertType} from 'react-native/Libraries/Alert/Alert';

// After - must import from 'react-native'
import {Alert, AlertType} from 'react-native';

Why it matters: While initially deprecated with warnings, we aim to remove these import paths entirely, which will be a breaking change.

This discussion thread

Please raise issues/questions about APIs you are using that are affected by this change. Over our API consultation period (beginning 0.80), we'll evaluate requests for exposing new APIs at the root, or providing alternatives.

Planned sequencing

• React Native 0.80: Deprecation of subpath imports, introduce runtime warnings.
• React Native 0.82 (or later): Removal of subpath imports via "exports" and the Strict TypeScript API.