Next.js 16 beta makes Turbopack default

Next.js 16 beta introduces significant enhancements, notably making Turbopack the default bundler. This shift aims to improve performance and developer experience. In this article, we’ll explore the key features and implications of this update.

Introduction to Next.js 16 Beta

Next.js 16 beta, released on October 9, 2025, brings several advancements to the framework. The most prominent change is the adoption of Turbopack as the default bundler, replacing Webpack. This transition is expected to deliver substantial performance improvements across development and production environments.

Developers can now leverage Turbopack’s capabilities without additional configuration, streamlining the development process and enhancing application performance.

Turbopack Becomes the Default Bundler

Turbopack, an incremental bundler optimized for JavaScript and TypeScript, is now the default bundler in Next.js 16 beta. Written in Rust, Turbopack offers significant performance benefits over its predecessor, Webpack. It provides 2, 5 times faster production builds and up to 10 times faster Fast Refresh, leading to a more efficient development workflow.

Over 50% of development sessions and 20% of production builds on Next.js 15.3+ have already adopted Turbopack, indicating a positive reception within the developer community. This widespread adoption underscores Turbopack’s effectiveness in enhancing build times and overall performance.

For projects with custom Webpack configurations, developers can continue using Webpack by running the following commands:

next dev --webpack
next build --webpack

Enhanced Caching with Turbopack File System Caching

Next.js 16 beta introduces Turbopack File System Caching in development, storing compiler artifacts on disk between runs. This feature significantly reduces startup and compile times, especially for large applications. By enabling filesystem caching, developers can experience faster iteration cycles and improved productivity.

To activate this feature, add the following configuration to your next.config.ts file:

const nextConfig = {
  experimental: {
    turbopackFileSystemCacheForDev: true,
  },
};

export default nextConfig;

Internal Vercel applications have already adopted this feature, reporting notable improvements in developer productivity across large repositories. Feedback from the community is encouraged to refine this feature further.

Integration of React Compiler

The React Compiler is now integrated into Next.js 16 beta, offering automatic memoization of components. This integration reduces unnecessary re-renders without requiring manual code changes, leading to more efficient applications. The reactCompiler configuration option has been promoted from experimental to stable, reflecting its maturity and reliability.

To enable the React Compiler, add the following to your next.config.ts file:

const nextConfig = {
  reactCompiler: true,
};

export default nextConfig;

It’s important to note that enabling the React Compiler may result in higher compile times during development and builds, as it relies on Babel. Developers should assess the trade-offs based on their project’s specific needs.

Introduction of Build Adapters API

The Build Adapters API, currently in alpha, allows developers to create custom adapters that hook into the build process. This feature enables deployment platforms and custom build integrations to modify Next.js configurations or process build outputs, offering greater flexibility and customization in deployment workflows.

To utilize this feature, add the following to your next.config.js file:

const nextConfig = {
  experimental: {
    adapterPath: require.resolve('./my-adapter.js'),
  },
};

module.exports = nextConfig;

Developers are encouraged to experiment with this feature and provide feedback to help shape its development. Detailed documentation and examples are available to assist in the creation of custom adapters.

Enhanced Routing and Navigation

Next.js 16 beta introduces optimized routing and navigation features, including layout deduplication and incremental prefetching. These enhancements aim to improve navigation performance and reduce unnecessary data fetching, leading to a smoother user experience. The new routing system is designed to be more efficient and responsive, addressing common performance bottlenecks in previous versions.

Developers can take advantage of these improvements by adopting the new routing patterns and configurations provided in the beta release. Detailed guides and best practices are available to facilitate the transition to the enhanced routing system.

As with other beta features, it’s advisable to test these routing enhancements in development environments before deploying them to production to ensure compatibility and performance gains.

Refined Caching APIs

The caching APIs in Next.js 16 beta have been refined to offer more control and flexibility. New methods like updateTag() and refined revalidateTag() provide developers with precise control over cache invalidation and updates. These enhancements aim to simplify caching strategies and improve data consistency across applications.

To utilize these new caching methods, developers should refer to the updated documentation, which includes examples and best practices for implementing effective caching strategies in Next.js applications. The refined APIs are designed to be intuitive and integrate seamlessly with existing caching mechanisms.

Feedback from the community is valuable in identifying potential issues and areas for further improvement in the caching system. Developers are encouraged to share their experiences and suggestions to contribute to the ongoing development of Next.js.

Support for React 19.2 Features

Next.js 16 beta includes support for React 19.2 features, such as View Transitions, useEffectEvent(), and . These additions enable developers to create more dynamic and interactive user interfaces, leveraging the latest advancements in React. The integration of these features ensures that Next.js remains aligned with the evolving React ecosystem, providing developers with the tools to build modern web applications.

Developers can explore these new features by updating their React dependencies and following the guidelines provided in the Next.js documentation. As with all new features, it’s recommended to test them thoroughly in development environments to ensure compatibility and performance.

Staying informed about the latest React features and their integration into Next.js will help developers maintain best practices and leverage the full potential of the framework.

Breaking Changes and Deprecations

Next.js 16 beta introduces several breaking changes and deprecations, including changes to async parameters, next/image defaults, and more. Developers should review the release notes and documentation to understand these changes and adjust their codebases accordingly. Proactive adaptation to these changes will facilitate a smoother transition to the stable release of Next.js 16.

Detailed information about each breaking change and deprecation is provided in the official Next.js documentation. Developers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure their applications remain functional and up-to-date with the latest Next.js standards.

Next.js 16 beta marks a significant milestone in the framework’s evolution, with Turbopack becoming the default bundler and numerous enhancements aimed at improving performance and developer experience. By embracing these updates, developers can build faster, more efficient applications and stay a in the rapidly evolving web development landscape.

As Next.js 16 progresses towards its stable release, ongoing feedback and testing from the developer community will be crucial in refining these features and ensuring they meet the diverse needs of modern web development.