How Much Has Flutter Technology Evolved in the Last 3 Years?

Over the past few years, Flutter has become a leading open-source technology that makes us rethink the ongoing debate between native and cross-platform app development. It hasn’t only taken the top spot from React Native in the cross-platform app category but is now also seen as a perfectly viable choice for projects that previously had to be built as native apps. 

We’ll discuss key updates, new Flutter features, and what they mean for companies looking to create a new app. 

How Has Flutter Development Changed in Recent Years?

Let’s start with the big numbers. According to Statista, from 2020 to 2022, the share of mobile cross-platform app developers using Flutter grew from 30% to 42%. Although we don’t have 2023 data yet, it’s safe to assume this figure will be even higher with the release of Flutter 3. During that same period, the vast majority of similar solutions were losing ground. There are several reasons for this. 

Flutter Performance and Stability

One of the most critical factors is the flawless performance and stability of apps built with Flutter. A mobile app built with Flutter, compared to other cross-platform frameworks, will likely load slower, run at a lower FPS, consume more memory and battery. The only technology that can compete in this regard is perhaps React Native.

Starting with Flutter 2, Google developers also introduced image decoding and 120 Hz refresh rate in version 3.3 released a few months ago, adding even more capability and potential to Flutter app development. 

No matter how well an app is designed, these are aspects that developers can’t ignore. Moreover, they always matter to users and can play a significant role in the success or failure of an app. 

Cross-Platform Development in Flutter

Before version 3.3, Flutter was already a very versatile framework. It allowed developers to create complex, fast apps and deploy them on iOS and Android. That’s great, but it wasn’t the only framework capable of doing this efficiently. 

In the new version of Flutter, this capability has been significantly expanded: it can now run on Windows, Linux, and macOS desktop systems—essentially all Intel-based devices. Apps can now run on all these platforms from a single codebase, and I don’t need to explain how much time and money that can save. 

Native Capabilities in Flutter App Development

Flutter is a robust cross-platform framework, but that doesn’t mean it restricts developers from adding platform-specific features. Quite the opposite: the framework offers a wide range of stateful and stateless widgets for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

The system gives programmers plenty of room to work, allowing them to use third-party integrations and APIs in Java, Kotlin, Swift, Objective-C, or C++, depending on the platform for which we’re building the app. Thus, when creating apps with Flutter, we can confidently include “native” functions without significantly impacting app performance.

User Interface in Flutter

Creating user interfaces (UI) for different devices has long been a key challenge of cross-platform development. If maximizing each system’s potential and unique features was the priority, native app development was the only choice. It was certainly more expensive, but the only option to achieve our goals. 

Now that decision isn’t so straightforward. Today, Flutter is equipped with tools that allow developers to use platform-specific functions and capabilities. Flutter software is often said to “feel native.” While that might be an exaggeration, it’s not far from the truth. And every year, it becomes more accurate. 

Ultimately, it all depends on what you’re trying to achieve and the project’s key requirements. In many aspects, native development still has an edge, but looking at what the Flutter framework can already do, it’s safe to say it’s getting closer. 

Native vs. Cross-Platform App Development: What to Choose?

Flutter SDK

The devkit provided by the Google Flutter team is the main reason why Flutter app development is a clean, fast, and cost-effective process that appeals to both developers and those who pay them. 

The package includes a vast number of available libraries that simplify the development process while leaving room for flexibility. Whether we’re trying to implement ready-made solutions, integrate third-party APIs, or simply do things the right way, Flutter allows us to do it efficiently. 

One of our recent projects—a Flutter mobile app for professional football clubs—is a great example of how these tools can help us achieve our goals.

Data and Backend

Although this approach may not be suitable for every type of project, Flutter development can greatly benefit from using BaaS (Backend as a Service). By leveraging solutions like Firebase, Backendless, or Parse Platform, we can focus on the actual product rather than easily replicable technical aspects. Just this alone can save more than 50% of the total budget for a Flutter mobile app. 

The Dart Programming Language

Flutter code is entirely written in Dart, a client-optimized, object-oriented programming language that is easy to learn and use, especially for those familiar with JavaScript. Over the past few years, it has gained a huge fan base, making it one of the most beloved languages in the industry. 

Is Flutter the Best Framework for Your Project?

The evolution of Flutter in recent years has certainly brought many new arguments in favor of cross-platform development. Thanks to Flutter, more projects that were previously destined for native platforms can now be developed following the WORA (write once, run anywhere) philosophy. 

And most importantly, Flutter has reached a point where it allows developers to build such apps using a cross-platform approach without cutting corners. 

In summary, it’s one of the most beloved frameworks among developers because it lets them work efficiently and deliver outstanding results. But enough about developers. 

Why should business leaders like Flutter?

• Fast and cost-effective development process using Dart, which is considered one of the most beloved programming languages in the community.
• Single source code for all operating systems, both mobile and desktop, significantly reducing costs (Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux). 
• Constantly evolving technology backed by Google (no risk of obsolescence).
• Flawless app performance compared to many competing solutions. 
• Wide recognition and popularity (a large community makes it easy to expand the project or assemble a development team).

The last point may be especially important. Flutter’s ease of use and popularity make knowledge transfer smooth and simple, allowing owners to build their own development team after the app takes off or after receiving another round of funding. The same applies to team expansion. 

Of course, Flutter is still not a one-size-fits-all solution. You shouldn’t choose it solely based on its advantages. Technology selection for a project is significant and should be done after detailed project planning. Only by knowing the key requirements can you make the right decision. 

Should You Build an App with Flutter?

Since it’s backed by a major company, Flutter certainly isn’t going anywhere. It’s free, it keeps evolving, and time and again it brings us back to the eternal debate about cross-platform versus native development. And we’ll be back here to talk about it again.