Flutter isn’t just popular because it’s free and backed by Google. Its real strength lies in its powerful features like hot reload, smooth performance, fast development, flexible UI, and a single codebase that works across platforms.
These qualities help developers build stunning, high-performance apps quickly and efficiently.
As per a recent report from Statista, around 46% of developers worldwide use Flutter to build cross-platform apps. This growing popularity is not just a passing trend—it’s backed by solid reasons and real-world success stories.
Since its official release in 2017, Flutter has gained three times more users. Today, more than 4 million developers globally use Flutter for mobile, desktop, and web app development.
What is Flutter?
Flutter is a flexible front-end development framework created by Google. It’s open-source and used to build apps for different platforms using a single codebase. Flutter is often paired with Dart, a simple, object-oriented programming language developed by Google as well.
What makes Flutter special is its ability to support iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, macOS, Fuchsia, and web browsers with the same code. That means you can reach more users without writing separate apps for each platform.
Although Flutter’s first version came out in 2015, it remained in beta until late 2018, when Flutter 1.0 launched officially. This version brought Dart into the spotlight, and the framework has only grown better since then.
Flutter Includes Two Main Components:
- Software Development Kit (SDK): This kit includes Dart, a rendering engine, command-line tools, and libraries. It’s designed to help developers create beautiful UIs easily.
- Framework: This part gives structure to your app. It includes tools for state management, routing, and a wide variety of pre-built widgets that are customizable.
Google keeps supporting Flutter with regular updates and new features. That’s why many businesses trust it for long-term projects. According to Statista, Flutter even surpassed React Native in 2022 to become the most used cross-platform development framework.
8 Reasons Why Businesses Prefer Flutter
Flutter stands out from the crowd for many reasons. Here’s why it’s a smart choice for businesses of all sizes:
1. High Performance
Flutter apps offer a native-like feel and run smoothly on both Android and iOS. It targets up to 120 frames per second for top-tier responsiveness. It also compiles to ARM machine code for better speed and performance.
Pre-designed widgets, smooth animations, and a rich ecosystem make the user experience seamless.
2. Customizable UI
Flutter gives developers the ability to build unique and engaging interfaces. With a vast library of pre-made widgets like buttons and text fields, you can design apps that match your brand.
Plus, you can tweak designs in real time, making it easier to adjust screen sizes, colours, and layouts.
3. Cross-platform Support
With Flutter, you don’t need to write different code for iOS and Android. A single codebase powers all platforms, saving time and reducing bugs. You also gain full control over the app’s appearance and behaviour, regardless of the device.
4. Powerful Render Engine
Flutter uses Skia, a fast and lightweight rendering engine. It lets you create beautiful visuals without relying on the platform’s native UI components.
It supports both Android’s Material Design and iOS’s Human Interface Guidelines, helping you build apps that feel right on every device.
5. Hot Reload
Hot reload is one of Flutter’s most-loved features. It allows developers to see changes instantly without restarting the app.
This helps fix bugs, test UI changes, and experiment with features quickly. The average reload time is less than 8 seconds, saving hours during development.
6. Feature-Rich Widgets
Flutter comes packed with widgets for everything from buttons to animations and chat features. These widgets can be customised and even support drag-and-drop.
This widget-based system helps developers manage large datasets and complex backends more easily.
7. Scalable and Future-Ready
Flutter isn’t just for mobile. Its flexible structure supports upcoming trends like foldable phones, wearable devices, web, and desktop apps. This future-proofing makes Flutter a wise investment.
It’s also highly compatible with other front-end and back-end tools, making it a great choice for scalable business solutions.
8. Access to Native Features
Need high-speed performance? Flutter compiles directly to machine code, giving your app native-like speed and functionality.
Even without a huge budget, businesses can build powerful apps that look great and run smoothly across all platforms.
5 Business Benefits of Using Flutter
Here’s how Flutter helps businesses grow faster and more efficiently:
1. Faster Launch Time
With over 1,600 apps launched daily on Google Play, getting to market quickly is essential. Flutter helps businesses do just that.
Its single codebase allows for faster development, fewer bugs, and quicker release cycles.
2. Lower Maintenance Costs
You don’t need separate teams for Android and iOS. Updates and bug fixes are made once, saving time and money.
You also avoid writing duplicate code, reducing long-term development efforts and resource costs.
3. Strong Developer Community
Though Flutter is relatively new, its open-source nature and large community offer great support. Developers actively contribute tools, plugins, and documentation.
According to JetBrains, Flutter has over 155K GitHub stars and 175K members on Meetup. You can easily hire Flutter App Developers who are skilled in building full-stack solutions.
4. Global Reach and Accessibility
Flutter supports internationalisation (i18n) and accessibility (a11y) out of the box. You can build inclusive apps that cater to global audiences.
Its support for multiple languages, screen sizes, and accessibility tools like font resizing makes it a great option for global businesses.
5. Faster Testing
Flutter’s shared codebase means fewer platform-specific bugs and faster testing. You can focus on improving user experience instead of spending time on repetitive tests.
It speeds up the entire QA process and makes regular app updates easier.
Big Brands That Use Flutter
Let’s take a look at companies that are thriving with Flutter:
1. Alibaba
Alibaba’s app, built with Flutter, supports dynamic interfaces and smooth global transactions. They saw faster development and reduced time-to-market using Flutter.
2. Google Pay
Google Pay uses Flutter for several features, like parking payments and digital gift cards. The engineering team also uses Flutter for internal tools and prototypes.
3. eBay Motors
eBay Motors switched to Flutter to improve app performance and streamline development. Their team now builds better features in less time.
4. BMW
BMW adopted Flutter for its My BMW app, allowing users to manage vehicles and services smoothly. They also use Flutter in interactive kiosks across showrooms.
5. Toyota
Toyota integrated Flutter into its Linux-based infotainment systems using Embedded API. This helped them improve user interfaces without rewriting their infrastructure.
Flutter + Emerging Technologies
To stay ahead in tech, pairing Flutter with advanced technologies is a smart move:
AI & Machine Learning
Flutter can easily integrate with AI tools like TensorFlow for features such as image recognition, smart search, and predictive analytics.
IoT Integration
Flutter works well with smart devices and embedded systems, allowing you to build apps that control home appliances, monitor health, and more.
Cloud Compatibility
Flutter integrates easily with cloud services like AWS and Firebase. This helps with secure storage, real-time data sync, and serverless functions.
Final Thoughts
Flutter is much more than just a trend. It’s a reliable, efficient, and flexible development framework that helps you build powerful apps on a single codebase.
Its ability to adapt to new technologies and platforms makes it perfect for modern businesses. If you’re planning a new app or want to revamp your existing one, now’s the time to act.
