What is the RSG 2.0 SDK?
The RSG 2.0 SDK is the evolution of our SDK that lets you build Roku channels in TypeScript. It brings Roku Scene Graph (RSG), the framework behind Roku’s UI, to the modern TypeScript and JavaScript ecosystem. You get types, autocomplete, and compile-time checks, and you build for the biggest screen in the home using the language and tools you already know. TypeScript and BrightScript can live side-by-side in your application, so you can choose which parts of your app to port over as you go.
Why does it matter?
Building for Roku has meant learning BrightScript, a Roku-specific language. The RSG 2.0 SDK opens Roku development to the huge community of developers who already work in TypeScript and JavaScript. Bring your existing skills, editors, and workflows, and ship to Roku’s global install base.
Who is it for?
Any developer building streaming and media experiences for Roku. That includes established Roku partners modernizing their codebase, and TypeScript or JavaScript developers building for Roku for the first time.
What’s included?
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RSG in TypeScript - the full Scene Graph UI model, fully typed.
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FlexGrid - a high-performance, virtualized 2D grid engine for fast, fluid content shelves and grids.
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Focus management - a modern focus system for building complex, remote-navigable layouts.
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SolidJS integration - reactive, component-based UI with a familiar developer experience.
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AI-assisted development - tooling and editor context so AI coding assistants understand the SDK and help you build.
Does it replace BrightScript?
No. BrightScript remains fully supported. The RSG 2.0 SDK is a new, additional way to build for Roku. Your existing BrightScript channels keep working, and the two approaches can coexist. You can choose to port parts of your app over time, and have BrightScript and TypeScript live side by side, or port the entire app over to TypeScript from the start. It is up to you!
Is it open source? What does it cost?
Yes. The RSG 2.0 SDK is open source under the MIT license, and it is free to use.
How do I get it?
The SDK is being announced at the 2026 Roku Developer Summit on September 23. Starting October 29, the SDK, documentation, and samples are publicly available on GitLab for everyone as part of the beta. The exact repository location is shared at beta.
Can I get it early?
Public availability starts October 29 with the beta. Before that, access is limited to Roku’s pilot partners. At beta the SDK is open to all to start development, though a small number of advanced APIs may remain gated behind access tokens.
When will it be ready?
A beta version of the SDK will be available Oct 29, 2026. You will be able to develop with this version, but not yet push it to production without explicit help and guidance from Roku. This is largely due to the supporting tooling and other infrastructure needed to publish apps.
General availability will follow the beta period, at which time you will be free to publish your app in the same manner you do today.
What’s the timeline?
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September 23, 2026 - announced at the Roku Developer Summit.
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October 29, 2026 - beta. SDK, documentation, and samples publicly available on GitLab.
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General availability - following the beta period.
How does AI-assisted development work?
The SDK ships with AI context and tooling so coding assistants in your editor, and agent-based workflows, understand the SDK’s APIs and patterns. Partners have used AI-assisted workflows to build and convert Roku UIs far faster than by hand.
Is it production-ready during the beta?
The SDK is in active use by partners today. During beta we are hardening APIs, expanding documentation, and resolving issues ahead of general availability. Beta is the right time to evaluate and build. Talk to your Roku contact about production timelines.
Can I publish my app built with the SDK?
Not during the beta on your own. Publishing an SDK-built app to the Roku Channel Store before general availability requires explicit approval and hands-on support from Roku. Full self-serve publishing opens at general availability. If you have a production use case during beta, talk to your Roku contact.
Are there changes to certification?
Certification requirements are largely the same as for any Roku channel. Some certification changes specific to the SDK are expected; details will be shared as the beta progresses.
Will the API change? What about backward compatibility?
As the SDK evolves toward general availability, we will provide guidance and compatibility support so your code keeps working.
Where do I find documentation and get help?
Documentation will be available as usual at developer.roku.com and samples ship with the SDK on GitLab starting October 29. Developer support is available on the Roku developer forum at forum.developer.roku.com in the RSG 2.0 SDK section.
