Glossary · Web & App Development
EAS Build
Overview
What EAS Build is
EAS Build is the cloud build product within Expo Application Services (EAS), Expo's suite of hosted services for React Native app development. It compiles native Android and iOS binaries in the cloud from an Expo or bare React Native project.
Because builds run on Expo-managed macOS and Linux workers, developers can generate iOS builds without owning Apple hardware and produce consistent, reproducible binaries across a team. EAS offers a free tier with limited monthly builds, alongside paid plans for higher concurrency and volume.
How EAS Build works
Developers configure build profiles in an eas.json file, then trigger a build with the EAS CLI. EAS provisions a clean cloud machine, installs dependencies, applies the native configuration, and outputs artifacts such as .aab and .apk for Android or .ipa for iOS.
EAS handles signing credentials, either managing them for you or using credentials you supply, and integrates with related services like EAS Submit for store uploads and EAS Update for over-the-air JavaScript updates. Builds can be started manually or wired into CI pipelines.
Why EAS Build matters
EAS Build removes the need to maintain local Xcode and Android build environments and CI runners, which is especially valuable for teams without dedicated macOS machines. It standardizes builds so results do not vary from one developer's laptop to another.
It is a strong fit for Expo and React Native teams shipping to both stores. Alternatives include self-hosted CI with Fastlane, or platform CI like GitHub Actions; those offer more control and can be cheaper at scale but require more setup and maintenance.
Where we use it
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How our team puts EAS Build to work in real projects.
FAQ
EAS Build — common questions
Do I need a Mac to build iOS apps with EAS Build?
No. EAS Build compiles iOS apps on Expo-managed macOS machines in the cloud, so you can produce store-ready .ipa files without owning Apple hardware, though you still need an Apple Developer account for signing and submission.
Is EAS Build free?
EAS Build offers a limited free tier with a set number of builds per month. Higher build volumes, faster machines, and greater concurrency require a paid EAS plan.
Does EAS Build work with bare React Native projects?
Yes. EAS Build supports both managed Expo projects and bare React Native projects, so teams that have ejected or never used the managed workflow can still use it.
Need EAS Build done right?
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