Table of Contents
Introduction
Flutter 3.24 and Dart 3.5 will be unveiled alongside the last stop in the I/O 2024 Connect series, which happens in just a few hours in China, one of Flutter's most prolific communities globally.
Our Google I/O event kicked off in May with an exciting slew of updates, including WebAssembly compilation moving to the stable channel and improvements to Impeller.
As part of our commitment to helping you craft stunning, performant apps that reach users across mobile, web, and desktop, we have released Flutter 3.24 and Dart 3.5. In addition to the early preview of the new Flutter GPU API, the web element embedding feature has been improved, and several exciting updates are available for iOS developers, including early Swift Package Manager support and updated Cupertino widget functionality.
Impeller: raising the bar for multi-platform graphics performance
Cross-platform frameworks have struggled to deliver high-quality visuals due to their reliance on high-level abstractions provided by underlying platforms. Flutter, however, has taken a different path with its custom rendering layer that ensures hardware-accelerated graphics and smooth performance across all devices. The latest advancement, Impeller, has made significant strides in enhancing graphics performance. With improvements in shaders and rendering techniques, Impeller unlocks new possibilities, including the potential for 3D graphics, thereby pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable in cross-platform development.
Flutter GPU API
Flutter is excited to introduce the Flutter GPU API, a powerful low-level graphics API that’s now integrated directly into the Flutter SDK. This API allows developers to define custom raster pipelines and submit draw calls directly to the GPU, enabling the creation of specialized renderers. Whether it’s developing 2D Canvas alternatives, 3D scene graphs, or intricate particle systems, the Flutter GPU API provides the tools necessary to build visually stunning, high-performance applications. Although still in its early preview, developers can start experimenting with this API to create immersive experiences without the heavy engine-level bulk traditionally required.
New Possibilities with 3D in Flutter
One of the most exciting developments in this update is the introduction of 3D capabilities. With the new Flutter GPU API, developers can now construct 3D scenes and even build games within the Flutter ecosystem. The new flutter_scene package leverages this API, allowing for the importation of animated glTF models and the construction of intricate 3D environments. This development marks a significant milestone for Flutter, opening up new horizons for developers who wish to explore the world of 3D graphics within a familiar framework.
Flutter for iOS and macOS
Flutter’s commitment to delivering exceptional app experiences on the Apple ecosystem continues with new updates focused on iOS and macOS. One of the key introductions is the early support for Swift Package Manager (SPM), which opens up the vast Swift package ecosystem to Flutter developers. This integration allows plugins to leverage pre-built functionality, speeding up development and simplifying the Flutter installation process for those less familiar with iOS. Moreover, Flutter has made substantial enhancements to its Cupertino widget library, resolving numerous issues and adding missing widgets, ensuring developers can deliver high-fidelity experiences on iOS.
Native Integration and Webview Support for macOS Apps
In addition to the improvements for iOS, Flutter now includes platform view and webview support for macOS apps. This allows developers to seamlessly integrate native macOS UI components directly into their Flutter applications. With this update, macOS Flutter apps can now offer a more complete and polished user experience, blending the best of Flutter’s flexibility with native macOS functionalities.
Global Impact of the Flutter Community
The latest Flutter release wouldn't have been possible without the incredible contributions from the global Flutter community. This update includes nearly 1,500 commits from over 167 unique contributors, including 49 first-time contributors. The vibrant Flutter community continues to grow, showcasing the power of collective effort in driving innovation. Flutter’s global impact is evident in the impressive apps being built worldwide, such as Xiaomi's companion app for its new electric vehicle, SNCF Connect's Olympic updates in France, Wolt's expansion into the retail market, and Monta's swift market entry with its EV charging app.
Wrap Up
These are just a few of the many exciting new features and updates in Flutter 3.24 and Dart 3.5. With each release, Flutter is expanding its capabilities, making it easier for developers to create beautiful, high-performance applications. The Flutter team remains committed to its mission and is excited to see what the community will build next. Whether you’re a long-time contributor or a new developer, there’s never been a better time to dive into Flutter and explore the future of cross-platform development.
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