Next.js and Turbopack

Current version: Next.js 16.2.x (June 2026)

Next.js 16+ uses Turbopack as its default bundler for both development and production builds. Turbopack is an incremental bundler written in Rust that significantly speeds up dev startup, hot updates, and production build times.

When to Use

• Turbopack (default): Used for both next dev and next build. Faster cold start, HMR, and production builds, especially in large apps.
• Webpack (legacy fallback): Use only if you hit a Turbopack bug or rely on a webpack-only plugin. Disable Turbopack with --no-turbopack flag or set NEXT_DISABLE_TURBOPACK=1 environment variable.

Use when: developing or debugging Next.js 16+ apps, diagnosing slow dev startup or HMR, or optimizing production bundles.

How It Works