Why Create Mobile Apps with Flutter? A Complete Guide
The Hamilton musical app reduced their development time by 70%, thanks to Flutter.
This isn’t a marketing claim. They saw the advantages Flutter had to offer. They were able to save costs and improve their ROI. Similarly, other brands like Universal Studios and Google Pay used Flutter app development to build their apps.
Flutter was popular because of its capabilities of providing high-performing and visually consistent applications. If you’re fed up with spiraling budgets and fragmented codebases, this article is for you.
Table of Contents
Learning the Basics: What is Flutter?
Flutter is Google’s open-source toolkit that lets you build apps for multiple devices with a single codebase. Flutter is written in the Dart programming language and offers ready-made widgets, tools, and libraries to develop mobile and web applications.
As of 2025, Flutter is being used by 2.8 million developers. Flutter can also be used with other advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, AR, and blockchain.
How does Flutter support cross-platform development?
Flutter is a multiplatform technology that supports cross-platform development by utilizing this code for exchange. Developers create original code that’s exclusive to each platform. This is achieved through Flutter’s layered architecture.
Embedder Layer
Allows Flutter to integrate with each operating system. It provides the bridge to native platform APIs and manages the app lifecycle.
Engine Layer
Written in C/C++, this part handles the rendering using the Skia graphics engine, text layout, accessibility, and other low-level services.
Framework Layer
Built in Dart, this layer provides a rich set of customizable widgets, animation libraries, and tools for building UI.
How this helps your business:
- You avoid hiring separate teams for iOS and Android.
- Your app looks and works consistently across platforms.
- You save on development budgets.
- Your maintenance costs are reduced.
Flutter’s Comparison with Other Frameworks
Other frameworks, like Kotlin Multiplatform and React Native, are popular for developing a cross-platform app. To learn what makes Flutter different, consider the table below.
| Feature | Flutter | React Native | Kotlin Multiplatform |
| Programming Language | Dart | JavaScript | Kotlin |
| Rendering Approach | Own rendering engine for a consistent UI | Uses native UI performance | Write your app’s logic once and share it everywhere |
| Platform Support |
|
|
|
| Performance | Near-native performance | Uses JS bridge | Native performance |
| UI Customizability | Fully customizable with UI elements, extremely flexible | Uses native components, less flexible | UI is only native |
| Development Speed | Fast due to hot reload and with a unified UI code | Fast iteration due to hot reload, uses JavaScript | UI development is slow, written natively. |
| Code Reusability | High | High | High |
| Community Support | Growing fast, backed by Google | Large | Smaller, but growing |
| Learning Curve | Moderate. Developers need to learn Dart. | Easy for JavaScript developers, low learning curve. | Moderate to steep due to native UI development. |
| Third Party Library Support | Extensive and growing | Extensive | Limited but growing |
8 Advantages of Using Flutter
Single Codebase
The need to create separate codebases for iOS, Android, and web is eliminated, thanks to Flutter. Developers can use the same code for building these apps and launch apps faster.
Hot Reload
This feature allows developers to see the changes they’ve made instantly. They don’t have to restart the app. Debugging the app and making UI changes becomes easier and faster.
Google Support and Community
If you ever get stuck with an issue, you can rely on Flutter’s community. There you’ll find resources and answers to common queries.
Open Source
Flutter is free to use. Flutter Developers have the option to customize the framework and contribute to the community as well.
Native-Like Performance
Flutter works with a graphic engine called Skia, which allows for quick and optimized development. It’s identical to native apps since it doesn’t need extra software to translate the code.
Strong Security
Flutter supports native encryption to protect sensitive data. Flutter 4.0 introduced biometric authentication (such as fingerprint) and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Supports Documentation
Flutter’s documentation feature is well-structured. Flutter docs feature rich snippets and interactive videos where developers can write and test Dart code.
Material Design and Cupertino Widgets
Developers will find icons that follow Android and iOS platforms. This ensures the design looks native on both platforms.
How Flutter Reduces Debt and Long-Term Risk
Single Codebase Means Lower Costs
Since you’re dealing with 1 team, you don’t have to pay double for maintenance and support. Your project size stays lean, even when your app grows.
Faster Development Means Lower Labor Costs
Thanks to the hot reload feature, development time speeds up. Your development teams finish faster, which reduces your billable hours.
Lower Maintenance Costs Due to Fewer Bugs
When developers fix the issue once, the change is applied to all platforms. With a single codebase, developers need to fix the issue only once. Your app stays stable without the ongoing patchwork, making Flutter application maintenance easier and more efficient.
Faster Feature Rollouts
You won’t have to duplicate features for iOS and Android. The same feature is rolled out faster because developers build it once. Your app keeps momentum and reduces development expenses.
5 Brands That Bet on Flutter
Here are some brands that chose Flutter and why they chose it:
Google Pay
They wanted their app to have fewer bugs and have the same UI for their customers. Thanks to Flutter, they were able to:
- Reduce engineering efforts by 70%
- Their app became easier to manage.
- Facilitated a secure payment
Flutter’s adoption enabled Google Pay to build a faster and leaner scalable payment app.
BMW (MyBMW App)
BMW needed flawless UI performance to match its luxury brand. Thanks to Flutter, they were able to:
- Add responsive animations
- App loaded fast on multiple devices
- Provide a consistent experience on different devices.
Alibaba
This large eCommerce store benefited from Flutter in 3 ways:
- Excellent UI customization to handle a complex shopping experience.
- Reduce interface glitches
- Fast development speed
Their customers were able to enjoy their mCommerce applications.
Universal Studios
They wanted an app that made food orders, handled maps, and showed ride wait times. With Flutter, they were able to:
- Release updates quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Deliver features like personalized guides.
- Offer consistent UI behavior on different screens.
EBay Motors
eBay Motors needed an app that could show customers advanced listings and could upload photos smoothly. With Flutter, they were able to:
- Deliver reliable performance
- Reduce time to market
- Improve test automation
4 Future Trends of Flutter
Flutter’s updates have improved its speed, scalability, and long-term business value.
Flutter 4.0
This version hasn’t been released yet; it’s predicted to be released in late 2025 or early 2026. The upcoming release comes with:
- Performance improvements
- Enhanced developer experience
- Expanded support for web and desktop platforms.
Focus on Security
Data privacy has become an important trend. In Flutter, you’ll be able to adopt security practices like end-to-end encryption and biometric authentication.
5G Support
The widespread use of 5G will allow for a faster and responsive app. Teams will be able to collaborate better and create interactive experiences.
Performance Improvements
Improvements to CanvasKit renderer and Dart DevTools will boost the app’s performance. Progress in cross-platform development is also bringing performance closer to native apps.
When Shouldn’t You Use Flutter?
While Flutter is a good choice to build a cross-platform app, it may not be the right solution for every app. In some cases, Flutter might slow you down or limit your products’ roadmap.
App Size is Too Small
Flutter apps are deployed with features and core libraries included. This will increase the file size compared to native apps. If your app is lightweight, Flutter won’t be the ideal solution for you.
Wearables and TV Apps
Devices like Apple Watch, WearOS watches, Apple TV, and Android TV aren’t ideal for Flutter. These devices have different requirements. Flutter won’t be able to fully support these devices.
Zero Dart Knowledge
If your team is skilled in other programming languages, switching to Dart may be a time-consuming process. If you’re facing tight deadlines, it’s better to stick with frameworks your team is familiar with.
Complex UI Structure
Widgets in Flutter are customizable but can be difficult to maintain without discipline. If your design team constantly makes design changes, managing the widget tree gets heavy.
Security Requires Platform-Level Development
Banking and medical apps require a strict security standard. Flutter may not be able to fulfill all these requirements.
Conclusion
Flutter is among the most utilized cross-platform application building frameworks. It gained traction due to the benefits it has to offer. It’s an excellent choice if you want to save money and provide a consistent UI to your customers.
But if you’re planning to build a wearable app, Flutter isn’t the right choice. Always check the requirements and the tech stack that’s needed before you begin. And if your team is ready to learn Dart language.
Choose Flutter and experience the benefits today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What’s the main purpose of using Flutter?
It’s to build cross-platform applications for mobile, web, and desktop by using the same codebase. It enables developers to create user-friendly and high-performing apps.
Q2. Is Flutter backend or frontend?
It’s used for the frontend but can be used for the backend as well. Flutter can also work with API to fetch data and perform other functions to build mobile apps.
Q3. Why does Flutter use Dart?
Dart is an Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), using Just in Time (JIT), and ahead of time (AOT) compilation.
Q4. Can Flutter be used to build complex apps?
Yes, it’s a wise decision to do so. Flutter will help with better performance and can handle multiple users.
Q5. Is Flutter a coding language?
No, it’s not a coding language. Flutter is a UI toolkit that uses Dart as the programming language.
