Updated: January 3, 2023 
Today, mobile apps are at the forefront of the digital transformation taking place in the market.
As technology improves, so does the demand for better mobile app experiences.
This is why businesses and organizations are turning to cross-platform mobile app development frameworks like Flutter.
This Flutter app development guide will explore why companies like Alibaba and BMW choose Flutter for their app development needs and more.
So, let’s dig deep and understand more about Flutter app development.
What is Flutter?
Flutter is an open-source UI software development kit created by Google.
It is used to develop apps for both Android and iOS platforms.
It is based on the Dart programming language and has a wide range of features that make Flutter a popular choice for app development.
Flutter for app development is built to be fast and responsive, and it allows Flutter app developers to create beautiful, natively compiled apps from a single codebase.
It also has an extensive library of widgets that can be used to create custom user interfaces.
Flutter is also an excellent choice for businesses that wish to develop cross-platform mobile apps.
Using Flutter for app development, developers can create apps that can run on Android and iOS devices without having to write separate code for each platform.
This helps to reduce the cost and time associated with developing apps for multiple platforms.
Scope of Flutter App Development in the Market
According to a 2021 developer survey, Flutter is the most popular cross-platform mobile framework used by global developers.
According to the report, 42% of software engineers used Flutter.
Approximately one-third of mobile developers employ cross-platform technologies or frameworks; the remainder uses native tools.
In 2022, 12.64% of respondents used Flutter Framework.
Benefits of Flutter App Development
Flutter offers many advantages over other mobile app development frameworks.
Here are some of the main benefits of using Flutter for app development:
1. Fast Development
Flutter is a fast and efficient way to develop apps. It has a hot reload feature that allows developers to see the results of their changes quickly.
2. Cost-Effective
Flutter is free and open-source, making it a cost-effective app development solution.
It also reduces the cost of developing apps for multiple platforms since developers only need to write a single codebase.
3. Easy to Learn
Flutter is easy to learn and use, even for developers who are new to mobile app development.
4. Extensive Library of Widgets
Flutter has an extensive library of widgets that can be used to create custom user interfaces.
Flutter web widgets are divided into Cupertino and Material Design; these widgets help mobile app developers design platform-specific UI/UX that provides users with a native-like experience.
5. Cross-Platform Support
Flutter apps can be deployed on Android and iOS platforms without writing separate code for each platform.
Also, Read | Cross Platform App Development is Best for Startups
6. Integration with Firebase
The next advantage of using Flutter Firebase, a Google Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform for developing web and mobile applications, is the availability of databases, analytics, crash reporting, and messaging capabilities.
Because Flutter is easily linked with Firebase, developers who use Flutter app development services can also profit from Firebase.
7. Ideal for MVP
You’ve probably heard the term MVP a lot.
A minimum viable product (MVP) is a test product designed to entice the target audience into understanding the need for the created solution.
Flutter is great for producing an MVP for entrepreneurs or businesses that want to raise money for product development or get their product to market faster because it requires less time and effort to construct an app.
Case Studies | Why Brands Like Alibaba and BMW Choose Flutter for App Development
Flutter app development is a popular choice, and many brands and organizations choose it for their mobile app development needs.
Some case studies demonstrate why brands like Alibaba and BMW are choosing Flutter for their app development needs.
1. Alibaba
If you’re into eCommerce, you’ve probably heard of Alibaba.
Alibaba is one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies, and it chose Flutter for its Xianyu app, which is a shopping app for Android and iOS.
The app was developed with the Flutter app development and has been downloaded over 100 million times.
Xianyou was dealing with employment issues and a shortage of experienced iOS developers at the time, which hampered the company’s app development efforts.
Flutter assisted the team in resolving their recruitment issues.
Flutter has superior design and development capabilities, as well as it, is easy to use for developers.
Alibaba requires high-performance technology because it is utilized by thousands of people daily; they need to manage large transactions across several platforms in real-time.
Therefore the Flutter app framework was ideal.
The Xianyu app has over 50 million downloads and 10 million daily active users today.
2. BMW
BMW chose Flutter app development for its ConnectedDrive app, which is a car-sharing service. The app was developed with Flutter and has been downloaded over one million times.
My BMW app was designed mainly for iOS and various vehicle types and versions.
Even though it had an Android version, BMW faced a big issue due to feature disparity.
BMW ownership was inconsistent for iOS and Android customers, negatively impacting the brand image.
To address the “platform disparity” issue, the company has two primary goals
- Launch a unified app with the same functionality across platforms without additional fees.
- Create a development platform that allows you to release features constantly without slowing down development.
Flutter helped them in overcoming both problems. BMW owned multiple automobile models and brands, each requiring its own app.
The BMW team used Flutter to launch the new MyBMW app, which provides a unified and smooth ownership experience.
For those who are unaware, the BMW Group’s Flutter/Dart development unit is one of the largest behind Google, with a startling total of 300 people.
The app is accessible in the respective app stores and runs on both the iOS and Android platforms.
What Does Flutter App Development Cost?
The cost of developing a mobile app with Flutter will depend on the complexity of the app and the number of hours required to develop it.
Flutter developers typically charge an hourly rate that can range from $25 to $150 per hour.
The cost of developing a simple app with Flutter can range from $10,000 to $30,000, while a complex app can cost upwards of $50,000 or more.
The cost of developing a cross-platform mobile app with Flutter is generally lower than developing two separate apps for Android and iOS platforms.
How to choose the right Flutter app development Company?
When looking for a mobile app development company, choosing one with experience developing apps with Flutter app development is important.
Choosing a company with a good reputation and a track record of delivering successful projects is also essential.
Before hiring a Flutter app development company, do your research and compare different companies.
You should also ask for references and read online reviews to get an idea of the company’s experience and expertise.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right Flutter app development company:
- Experience: Look for a company that has experience with developing apps with Flutter.
- Portfolio: Ask for a portfolio of the company’s work to get an idea of its expertise.
- Cost: Compare different companies and get an estimate of the cost of developing your app with Flutter.
- Communication: Look for a company that is responsive and communicative.
- References: Ask for references from past clients to get an idea of the company’s reputation.
Why hire a Flutter app development company?
Flutter is an excellent choice for mobile app development, and many services can help you develop your app.
Here are some of the most popular services for mobile app development with Flutter:
1. Mobile App Design
A good design is essential for a successful app. Flutter developers can help you create a custom design that meets your needs.
2. Cloud Services
Cloud services can help you store and manage your app’s data. Flutter developers can help you set up and manage cloud services for your app.
3. API Integration
APIs can help you connect different services and features in your app. Flutter developers can help you integrate APIs into your app.
4. Testing and Quality Assurance
Flutter developers can help you test and ensure the quality of your app before it is released.
Cross-Platform Mobile App Development with Flutter
Cross-platform mobile app development is becoming increasingly popular, and Flutter is one of the most popular frameworks for this purpose.
Flutter app development allows developers to create apps that can be deployed on both Android and iOS platforms without having to write separate code for each platform.
This helps save time and money and ensures that the app is consistent across both platforms.
Challenges in Flutter App Development
Although Flutter is an excellent choice for mobile app development, there are some challenges that developers need to be aware of.
Here are some of the challenges in Flutter app development:
1. Limited Third-Party Libraries
Flutter has a limited selection of third-party libraries, which can be a challenge for developers who need specific features or libraries.
2. Lack of Maturity
Flutter is a relatively new technology, so it can be challenging to find experienced developers.
3. Limited Support
Flutter has limited support compared to other mobile app development frameworks.
Wrapping up
Flutter is an excellent choice for mobile app development, and many companies and organizations are choosing it for their app development needs.
It has many advantages over other mobile app development frameworks, including cost-effectiveness, fast development, ease of learning, and an extensive library of widgets.
Flutter also offers cross-platform support, which helps to reduce the cost and time associated with developing apps for multiple platforms.
Thus, to develop an app, look for a Flutter app development company with a good reputation and experience developing apps with Flutter.
Flutter is the right choice for you if you are looking for a cost-effective and efficient way to develop apps.
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