@@ -318,6 +318,10 @@ tabBarLabelStyle: {
 
 Function that given `{ focused: boolean, color: string, size: number }` returns a React.Node, to display in the tab bar.
 
+#### `tabBarIconSize`
+
+Size of the tab's icon.
+
 #### `tabBarIconStyle`
 
 Style object for the tab icon.
 
@@ -6,28 +6,10 @@ sidebar_label: Contributing
 
 Want to help improve React Navigation? Your help would be greatly appreciated!
 
-Here are some of the ways to contribute to the project:
-
-- [Contributing](#contributing)
-  - [Reporting Bugs](#reporting-bugs)
-  - [Improving the Documentation](#improving-the-documentation)
-  - [Responding to Issues](#responding-to-issues)
-  - [Bug Fixes](#bug-fixes)
-  - [Suggesting a Feature](#suggesting-a-feature)
-  - [Big Pull Requests](#big-pull-requests)
-
-And here are a few helpful resources to aid in getting started:
-
-- [Information](#information)
-  - [Issue Template](#issue-template)
-  - [Pull Request Template](#pull-request-template)
-  - [Forking the Repository](#forking-the-repository)
-  - [Code Review Guidelines](#code-review-guidelines)
-  - [Run the Example App](#run-the-example-app)
-  - [Run Tests](#run-tests)
-
 ## Contributing
 
+Read the [Code of Conduct](https://github.com/react-navigation/react-navigation/blob/main/CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md) and [AI Usage Policy](https://github.com/react-navigation/react-navigation/blob/main/AI_POLICY.md) before contributing.
+
 ### Reporting Bugs
 
 You can't write code without writing the occasional bug. Especially as React Navigation is moving quickly, bugs happen. When you think you've found one here's what to do:
 
@@ -138,10 +138,10 @@ Whether to hide the status bar when the drawer is open. Defaults to `false`.
 
 ##### `keyboardDismissMode`
 
-Whether to dismiss the keyboard when the drawer is open. Supported values are:
+Whether to dismiss the keyboard when the drawer starts opening or closing. Supported values are:
 
-- `none`: The keyboard will not be dismissed when the drawer is open.
-- `on-drag`: The keyboard will be dismissed when the drawer is opened by a swipe gesture.
+- `none`: The keyboard will not be dismissed by the drawer.
+- `on-drag`: The keyboard will be dismissed when the drawer starts opening or closing.
 
 Defaults to `on-drag`.
 
 
@@ -616,7 +616,7 @@ Minimum swipe distance threshold that should activate opening the drawer.
 
 #### `keyboardDismissMode`
 
-Whether the keyboard should be dismissed when the swipe gesture begins. Defaults to `'on-drag'`. Set to `'none'` to disable keyboard handling.
+Whether the keyboard should be dismissed when the drawer starts opening or closing. Defaults to `'on-drag'`. Set to `'none'` to disable keyboard handling.
 
 #### `freezeOnBlur`
 
 
@@ -358,6 +358,9 @@ It can contain the following properties:
 - `autoCapitalize`: The auto-capitalization behavior. Possible values: `none`, `words`, `sentences`, `characters`.
 - `autoFocus`: Automatically focus search input on mount.
 - `cancelButtonText`: Text to be used instead of default `Cancel` button text (iOS only).
+- `cancelButtonAccessibilityLabel`: Accessibility label for the button that closes the search bar. Defaults to `cancelButtonText` on iOS and `Close` on other platforms.
+- `clearButtonAccessibilityLabel`: Accessibility label for the button that clears the search input. Defaults to `Clear text`.
+- `openButtonAccessibilityLabel`: Accessibility label for the header button that opens the search bar. Defaults to `Search`.
 - `inputType`: Type of the input. Possible values: `text`, `phone`, `number`, `email`.
 - `onBlur`: Callback that gets called when search input has lost focus.
 - `onChangeText`: Callback that gets called when the text changes.
 
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ npm install @react-navigation/bottom-tabs
 
 The navigator requires React Native 0.79 or above is required. If you're using [Expo](https://expo.dev/), it requires SDK 53 or above.
 
-It also needs `react-native-screens` 4.25.0 or above. If you're using Expo, make sure to use [development builds](https://docs.expo.dev/develop/development-builds/introduction/) instead of Expo Go to use the latest version of `react-native-screens`.
+It also needs `react-native-screens` 4.30.0 or above. If you're using Expo, make sure to use [development builds](https://docs.expo.dev/develop/development-builds/introduction/) instead of Expo Go to use the latest version of `react-native-screens`.
 
 ## Usage
 
@@ -126,14 +126,50 @@ Uses iOS built-in tab bar items with standard iOS styling and localized titles.
 - `search`
 - `topRated`
 
-The [`tabBarIcon`](#tabbaricon) and [`tabBarLabel`](#tabbarlabel) options will override the icon and label from the system item. If you want to keep the system behavior on iOS, but need to provide icon and label for other platforms, use `Platform.OS` or `Platform.select` to conditionally set `undefined` for `tabBarIcon` and `tabBarLabel` on iOS.
+The [`tabBarIcon`](#tabbaricon) and [`tabBarLabel`](#tabbarlabel) options override the icon and label from the system item. If you want to keep the system behavior on iOS, but need to provide icon and label for other platforms, use `Platform.OS` or `Platform.select` to conditionally set `undefined` for `tabBarIcon` and `tabBarLabel` on iOS.
+
+When set to `search`, the tab may receive prominent visual treatment on iOS 26. See [`tabBarRole`](#tabbarrole) for the behavior on iOS 27 and above.
+
+#### `tabBarRole`
+
+The role of the tab within the system tab bar. Supported values:
+
+- `prominent` - the tab gets prominent visual treatment when supported on iOS 27 and above
+- `search` - the tab is used as the system search tab
+
+With the `prominent` role, the tab may receive special styling to make it stand out, such as a separate button next to the tab bar. Only one tab can have the `prominent` role at a time.
+
+<video playsInline autoPlay muted loop>
+  <source src="/assets/navigators/bottom-tabs/highlights/prominent-tab.mp4" />
+</video>
+
+On iOS 26.1, a tab with the `search` role gets prominent visual treatment. On iOS 27 and above, it gets prominent styling only if [`tabBarSearchAutoFocus`](#tabbarsearchautofocus) is enabled and no other tab has the `prominent` role. On iOS 27 and above, it also stays visible when the tab bar [minimizes](#tabbarminimizebehavior).
+
+The tab uses the system search icon and label by default on iOS. You can override them with [`tabBarSystemItem`](#tabbarsystemitem), [`tabBarIcon`](#tabbaricon), or [`tabBarLabel`](#tabbarlabel).
+
+On iOS 26.1 and above, at most one tab can have the `search` role. Adding or removing the `search` role after the tab is rendered is not supported.
+
+Also see [Search tab on iOS 26+](#search-tab-on-ios-26).
+
+Only supported on iOS.
+
+#### `tabBarSearchAutoFocus`
+
+Whether the search field is automatically focused when the tab is selected. Cancelling the search selects the previously selected tab.
+
+Only applies to tabs with [`tabBarRole`](#tabbarrole) set to `search`, and requires [`headerSearchBarOptions`](native-stack-navigator.md#headersearchbaroptions) to be set in a native stack nested in the tab.
+
+Defaults to `false`.
+
+Only supported on iOS 26.1 and above.
 
 ##### Search tab on iOS 26+
 
-The `tabBarSystemItem` option has special styling and behavior when set to `search` on iOS 26+.
+The [`tabBarRole`](#tabbarrole) option has special styling and behavior when set to `search` on iOS 26.1 and above.
 
 Additionally, when the `search` tab is selected, the tab bar transforms into a search field if:
 
+- [`tabBarSearchAutoFocus`](#tabbarsearchautofocus) is enabled
 - The screen has a nested [native stack navigator](native-stack-navigator.md)
 - The focused screen in the nested native stack has [`headerSearchBarOptions`](native-stack-navigator.md#headersearchbaroptions)
 
@@ -148,7 +184,7 @@ import {
   createStaticNavigation,
   useNavigation,
 } from '@react-navigation/native';
-import { createBottomTabNavigator } from '@react-navigation/bottom-tabs';
+import { createNativeBottomTabNavigator } from '@react-navigation/bottom-tabs/unstable';
 import { createNativeStackNavigator } from '@react-navigation/native-stack';
 
 const DATA = [
@@ -227,7 +263,7 @@ const SearchStack = createNativeStackNavigator({
   },
 });
 
-const HomeTabs = createBottomTabNavigator({
+const HomeTabs = createNativeBottomTabNavigator({
   screens: {
     Home: {
       screen: HomeScreen,
@@ -248,8 +284,10 @@ const HomeTabs = createBottomTabNavigator({
       // highlight-next-line
       screen: SearchStack,
       options: {
-        // highlight-next-line
-        tabBarSystemItem: 'search',
+        // highlight-start
+        tabBarRole: 'search',
+        tabBarSearchAutoFocus: true,
+        // highlight-end
       },
     },
   },
@@ -275,9 +313,29 @@ Overrides the label provided by [`tabBarSystemItem`](#tabbarsystemitem) on iOS.
 
 If not provided, or set to `undefined`:
 
-- The system values are used if [`tabBarSystemItem`](#tabbarsystemitem) is set on iOS.
+- The system values are used on iOS if [`tabBarSystemItem`](#tabbarsystemitem) is set or [`tabBarRole`](#tabbarrole) is `search`.
 - Otherwise, it falls back to the [`title`](#title) or route name.
 
+#### `tabBarLabelPositionAdjustment`
+
+Offset for the tab label relative to its default position. The offset can be specified separately for each item layout:
+
+- `stacked` - icon above the label, such as on iPhone in portrait
+- `inline` - icon beside the label in regular width, such as on iPad
+- `compactInline` - icon beside the label in compact width, such as on iPhone in landscape
+
+Each layout accepts `horizontal` and `vertical` offsets. Positive `horizontal` moves the label right, and positive `vertical` moves it down.
+
+```js
+tabBarLabelPositionAdjustment: {
+  stacked: { horizontal: 0, vertical: 2 },
+  inline: { horizontal: 2, vertical: 0 },
+  compactInline: { horizontal: 2, vertical: 0 },
+},
+```
+
+Only supported on iOS.
+
 #### `tabBarLabelVisibilityMode`
 
 The label visibility mode for the tab bar items. Supported values:
@@ -346,7 +404,7 @@ The icon can be of following types:
   }
   ```
 
-  The image is tinted by default. Set `tinted` to `false` if the image has its own colors that you want to preserve on iOS. On Android, the image is always tinted and the `tinted` property is ignored.
+  The image is tinted by default. Set `tinted` to `false` if the image has its own colors that you want to preserve.
 
 - [SF Symbols](https://developer.apple.com/sf-symbols/) name - Supported on iOS
 
@@ -357,6 +415,12 @@ The icon can be of following types:
   }
   ```
 
+  The `renderingMode` property can be used to specify how to color the symbol:
+  - `monochrome`: Single color, using the tint color.
+  - `multicolor`: Uses the symbol's built-in multicolor scheme.
+
+  System symbols use a single color by default.
+
 To render different icons for active and inactive states, you can use a function:
 
 ```js
@@ -385,6 +449,14 @@ tabBarIcon: Platform.select({
 });
 ```
 
+#### `tabBarIconSize`
+
+Size of the tab's icon.
+
+The largest size is used for the icon area in all tabs. Icons smaller than the largest size are centered in this area.
+
+Only supported on Android.
+
 #### `tabBarBadge`
 
 Text to show in a badge on the tab icon. Accepts a `string` or a `number`.
@@ -418,8 +490,6 @@ Color for the icon and label in the active tab.
 
 Color for the icon and label in the inactive tabs.
 
-Only supported on Android.
-
 #### `tabBarActiveIndicatorColor`
 
 Background color of the active indicator.
@@ -432,12 +502,30 @@ Whether the active indicator should be used. Defaults to `true`.
 
 Only supported on Android.
 
+#### `tabBarActiveIndicatorWidth`
+
+Width of the tab's active indicator.
+
+Only supported on Android.
+
+#### `tabBarActiveIndicatorHeight`
+
+Height of the tab's active indicator.
+
+Only supported on Android.
+
 #### `tabBarRippleColor`
 
 Color of the ripple effect when pressing a tab.
 
 Only supported on Android.
 
+#### `tabBarVisibilityAnimationEnabled`
+
+Whether showing and hiding the tab bar is animated. Defaults to `true`.
+
+Only supported on iOS 18 and above.
+
 #### `tabBarStyle`
 
 Style object for the tab bar. Supported properties:
@@ -490,12 +578,28 @@ The display mode for the tab bar. Supported values:
 
 Only supported on iOS 18 and above. Not supported on tvOS.
 
+#### `tabBarSidebarPreferredPlacement`
+
+Whether the sidebar or the tab bar is preferred when only one of them can be displayed. Supported values:
+
+- `auto` - uses the system default (tab bar)
+- `sidebar` - the sidebar is displayed when it's available
+- `tabBar` - the tab bar is displayed
+
+Requires [`tabBarControllerMode`](#tabbarcontrollermode) to be set to `tabSidebar`.
+
+The sidebar is only available when the horizontal size class is regular, e.g. on iPad, or on larger iPhones in landscape.
+
+Defaults to `auto`.
+
+Only supported on iOS 27 and above. Not supported on tvOS.
+
 #### `tabBarMinimizeBehavior`
 
 The minimize behavior for the tab bar. Supported values:
 
 - `auto` - resolves to the system default minimize behavior
-- `never` - the tab bar does not minimize
+- `none` - the tab bar does not minimize
 - `onScrollDown` - the tab bar minimizes when scrolling down and
   expands when scrolling back up
 - `onScrollUp` - the tab bar minimizes when scrolling up and expands
 
@@ -424,6 +424,8 @@ Supported values:
 - `landscape_left`: landscape-left orientation is permitted.
 - `landscape_right`: landscape-right orientation is permitted.
 
+If not set, the screen inherits the orientation of its parent screen. If no parent screen sets `orientation`, the app's `Info.plist` determines the supported orientations on iOS, and the system decides the best orientation on Android.
+
 Only supported on Android and iOS.
 
 #### `autoHideHomeIndicator`
@@ -447,7 +449,7 @@ Only supported on iOS.
 
 #### `animationDuration`
 
-Changes the duration (in milliseconds) of `slide_from_bottom`, `fade_from_bottom`, `fade` and `simple_push` transitions on iOS. Defaults to `350`.
+Changes the duration (in milliseconds) of `slide_from_bottom`, `fade_from_bottom`, `fade` and `simple_push` transitions on iOS. Defaults to `500`.
 
 For screens with `default` and `flip` transitions, and, as of now, for screens with `presentation` set to `modal`, `formSheet`, `pageSheet` (regardless of transition), the duration isn't customizable.
 
@@ -926,6 +928,14 @@ headerBackVisible: true,
 headerBackTitle: 'Back',
 ```
 
+#### `headerLeftBackgroundVisible`
+
+Whether the liquid glass background is visible for the item.
+
+Only supported on iOS 26.0 and later. Older versions of iOS and other platforms never show the background.
+
+Defaults to `true`.
+
 #### `unstable_headerLeftItems`
 
 :::warning
@@ -970,6 +980,14 @@ Example:
 headerRight: () => <MaterialCommunityIcons name="map" color="blue" size={36} />;
 ```
 
+#### `headerRightBackgroundVisible`
+
+Whether the liquid glass background is visible for the item.
+
+Only supported on iOS 26.0 and later. Older versions of iOS and other platforms never show the background.
+
+Defaults to `true`.
+
 #### `unstable_headerRightItems`
 
 :::warning
@@ -1794,6 +1812,7 @@ Common properties:
 - `hidesSharedBackground` (iOS 26+): Whether the background this item may share with other items in the bar should be hidden. Setting this to `true` hides the liquid glass background.
 - `sharesBackground` (iOS 26+): Whether this item can share a background with other items. Defaults to `true`.
 - `identifier` (iOS 26+) - An identifier used to match items across transitions.
+- `visibilityPriority` (iOS 27+): Priority used when items in `unstable_headerRightItems` don't fit in the header. Items with lower priority are moved to the overflow menu first. Supported values are `low`, `default`, and `high`. Defaults to `default`.
 - `badge` (iOS 26+): An optional badge to display alongside the item. Supported properties:
   - `value`: The value to display in the badge. It can be a string or a number.
   - `style`: Style object for the badge. Supported properties:
@@ -1858,6 +1877,7 @@ Supported properties when `type` is `menu`:
     - `submenu`: An object with the following properties:
       - `type`: Must be `submenu`.
       - `label`: Label of the submenu item.
+      - `description`: The secondary text displayed alongside the label of the submenu item.
       - `icon`: Optional icon to show alongside the label. It accepts the same formats as `icon` above.
 
       - `inline`: Whether the menu is displayed inline with the parent menu. By default, submenus are displayed after expanding the parent menu item. Inline menus are displayed as part of the parent menu as a section. Defaults to `false`.
 
@@ -298,6 +298,26 @@ const Stack = createNativeStackNavigator({
 });
 ```
 
+The screen is lazily evaluated upon render if defined using a getter:
+
+```js
+const Stack = createNativeStackNavigator({
+  screens: {
+    Profile: createNativeStackScreen({
+      // highlight-start
+      get screen() {
+        return require('./ProfileScreen').default;
+      },
+      // highlight-end
+    }),
+  },
+});
+```
+
+Unlike the regular `screen` property, the getter can only specify screen components and not nested navigator objects.
+
+You can use this approach if you want the `ProfileScreen` module to be lazily evaluated with [inline requires](https://reactnative.dev/docs/optimizing-javascript-loading#advanced-call-require-inline).
+
 </TabItem>
 <TabItem value="dynamic">