Flutter 3.24 and Dart 3.5- What's new

The latest releases of Flutter 3.24 and Dart 3.5 mark significant milestones in the evolution of cross-platform development. These updates bring a host of new features and enhancements, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with Flutter and Dart. In this blog, we'll dive into the most exciting additions, including the early preview of the Flutter GPU API, advancements for iOS and macOS development, and the broader global impact of these technologies.

1. Flutter GPU API

One of the most anticipated features in Flutter 3.24 is the early preview of the Flutter GPU API. This low-level graphics API is integrated directly into the Flutter SDK, allowing developers to create custom raster pipelines and submit draw calls directly to the GPU. This opens up a world of possibilities for building visually stunning and high-performance apps.

Historically, cross-platform frameworks have required compromises on graphics performance due to their reliance on high-level abstractions. However, Flutter's approach, with its own rendering layer, enables hardware-accelerated graphics across all devices. The introduction of the Flutter GPU API takes this a step further by allowing developers to build specialized renderers, such as 2D Canvas alternatives, 3D scene graphs, and even particle systems, without the overhead typically associated with engine-level development.

The new `flutter_scene` package is a prime example of what's possible with the Flutter GPU API. This package allows developers to import animated glTF models and construct 3D scenes, making it easier to create immersive 3D apps and games in Flutter.

While the Flutter GPU API is still in its early stages, it's clear that this feature has the potential to revolutionize the way we build cross-platform applications, particularly in the realm of graphics and animation.

2. Flutter for iOS and macOS: Enhanced Compatibility and Performance

Flutter 3.24 also brings significant improvements for developers targeting the Apple ecosystem. One of the most notable additions is the early support for Swift Package Manager (SPM). This integration unlocks access to the vast ecosystem of Swift packages, enabling Flutter plugins to leverage pre-built functionality and accelerate development. As SPM becomes more widely adopted by plugin developers, it is expected to simplify the Flutter installation process and lower the barrier to entry for newcomers to iOS development.

In addition to SPM support, Flutter's Cupertino widget library has been expanded and modernized. This update addresses 15 issues and adds 37 new Cupertino widgets, enabling developers to deliver high-fidelity experiences that feel native to iOS. The update also includes platform view and webview support for Flutter macOS apps, allowing for seamless integration of native macOS UI components.

These enhancements reflect Flutter's commitment to empowering developers to build exceptional apps for the Apple ecosystem, with a focus on performance, compatibility, and user experience.

3. Global Impact: A Flourishing Flutter Community

The release of Flutter 3.24 and Dart 3.5 wouldn't be possible without the vibrant and active Flutter community. With nearly 1,500 commits from over 167 unique contributors, these releases are a testament to the collective effort and innovation within the community.

Flutter's global impact is evident in the diverse range of applications being built with the framework. For instance, Xiaomi's team in China used Flutter to develop a companion app for the firm's popular new electric vehicle, the Xiaomi SU7. In Europe, SNCF Connect, the French railway company, partnered with the Olympics to deliver updates to their Flutter app, enabling millions of visitors to travel across France during the Olympic games. Wolt, part of DoorDash International, expanded into the merchant retail market using Flutter, and Monta, a Danish EV charging ecosystem startup, brought their first mobile app to market in just three months with Flutter.

These examples highlight the power and flexibility of Flutter in delivering high-quality apps across a wide range of industries and use cases.

Looking Forward

The release of Flutter 3.24 and Dart 3.5 marks an exciting chapter in the ongoing evolution of these technologies. With the introduction of the Flutter GPU API, enhanced support for iOS and macOS development, and the continued growth of the global Flutter community, there's never been a better time to explore what's possible with Flutter and Dart.

As we look to the future, the potential for creating stunning, performant, and cross-platform apps is only set to grow. Whether you're a seasoned Flutter developer or just getting started, these updates provide new tools and opportunities to push the boundaries of what's possible.

We can't wait to see what you'll build next!