Flutter vs Native iOS Development
When one codebase for iOS and Android makes sense, and when it doesn't.
Flutter is usually the better choice for business and consumer apps that need both iOS and Android, because one codebase lowers cost and keeps both platforms in sync. Native iOS (Swift) is better when the app depends heavily on the newest Apple features, advanced hardware access or platform-specific UI.
- Flutter: one codebase, one team, both platforms.
- Native: full and immediate access to every Apple API.
- Most business apps work well with Flutter.
What is Flutter?
Flutter is Google's open-source framework for building iOS, Android and web apps from one Dart codebase. It draws its own interface, so the app looks the same on every device.
How do Flutter and native compare?
| Flutter | Native iOS (Swift) | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms from one codebase | iOS, Android, web | iOS only |
| Cost for iOS + Android | Lower | Two apps to build |
| Access to newest Apple APIs | Via plugins, sometimes later | Immediate |
| Performance for business apps | Very good | Excellent |
When should you choose native?
Choose native for apps built around ARKit, advanced camera processing, widgets and watch apps, or when you only ever need iOS and want the most platform-native feel.
What do we use?
We build most mobile apps with Flutter, including Macro Tracker, and add native modules only when an app needs specific hardware.
Frequently asked questions
Is Flutter production-ready?
Yes. It is used in production by large companies and thousands of apps in both stores.