How to Convert an Existing App to Flutter Without Any Hassle?

Is your app making you work harder than necessary?

Is working between different codebases for Android and iOS becoming difficult?

If so, we have the right solution for you! Convert your existing apps to Flutter effortlessly and let go of the stress now. 

Flutter is one of the finest software development tools, which gets direct support from Google. Converting an existing app into Flutter will make your app faster, more responsive, and user-friendly.

Using a unified codebase, you can run the app on various platforms without glitches. 

Furthermore, Flutter offers code editors, performance profilers, high-end widgets, and more such features and functionalities to craft a high-quality app.

You can leverage Flutter’s dynamic features without having to rewrite codebases again and again. 

Converting an existing Android or iOS app to Flutter may be easy but you need to know when to go for the transfer.

Also, you must learn when to hire dedicated Flutter app developers. So, you can transfer the app into Flutter without delay.

What converting an Existing Android application or iOS application to Flutter involves?

As a cross-platform and open-source platform for native mobile apps, Flutter comes with several modern features. Since it came to the market in 2017, Flutter has gained much popularity among developers throughout the globe for many reasons. Developers can create strong, scalable, fully functional multi-platform apps.

Moreover, developers do not need to write separate code bases for different platforms, which makes the tool very efficient. Flutter launched the “add-to-app” feature in 2019, enabling existing apps to be integrated with the Flutter environment seamlessly. 

Is it an easy process? That may be subject to app complexity and company requirements. However, migrating an app to Flutter opens many pathways for the app without compromising its performance. It caters to market trends as well as customer needs. 

In this blog, we will discuss when and how to convert existing apps to Flutter, how much time and budget are needed to go through the process, and the benefits of using Flutter as your mobile app development and integrating tool. Read on to learn more.

Why Use Flutter and What are the Benefits Flutter Brings for Your App

Flutter migration for existing apps is advantageous in multiple ways for both the organisation and users. 

• Developing and integrating the existing app into Flutter is a seamless process. 
• The Flutter migration process is much faster than other app development tools. 
• Flutter provides faster and better app performance, making it user-friendly in many ways. 
• You only have to test the app once after integration, and it is ready to run!
• Flutter’s modern framework offers trendy features and high-end functionalities to the app.
• The “Hot Reload” feature lets you see all the changes made in the code to migrate it to Flutter. 

These are the benefits of converting the existing applications into Flutter that make your app rich in features and performance significantly. However, there are a few aspects that may make you rethink your decision to transfer the existing app. 

When Is the Right Time for Converting Your Existing App to Flutter?

You might be planning to use Flutter app migration services but the time and cost it needs require much more consideration on your part. However, as we have already mentioned that your existing Android or iOS app can be migrated to Flutter without compromising its performance, you can proceed with the process. 

You must learn when to migrate native apps to Flutter and how effective it will be for your application. 

Does your existing Android and iOS applications need an update? 

In case your existing app requires an upgrade, and you are planning to include new features in the app, it is time! As an existing app, it may require several up-to-date functionalities as well as better UI/UX, and faster performance. 

Flutter will provide all of it while allowing you to customize it using Flutter’s unique widgets. You can add a cross-platform framework to your app without effort, as Flutter requires less time and resources to migrate the app. 

Is your app facing a technical glitch & you are planning to update the app?

Technical problems often lead to early updates for existing mobile apps. The problem can range from data security threats or slow animation rendering to UX/UI discrepancy or multi-lingual integrations. 

This is the perfect time to convert native apps to Flutter and redesign it with high-end functionalities of Flutter. Furthermore, you do not need to hire separate developers for various platforms with Flutter. The app development tool offers a cross-platform framework with a single codebase, unlike Kotlin or Swift. 

Planning to follow the trend & launch a fully functional app?

Sometimes, it can get stressful to maintain different codes for a single app running on different platforms. You can let go of the worry by opting for the cross-platform migration to Flutter. 

With Flutter, you can make complete use of its advantageous features while keeping the previous native code undamaged. It does not reduce app performance but enhances app quality and responsiveness significantly.  

Moreover, integrating Flutter into your existing mobile app reduces app maintenance costs by half! It even takes less effort to manage the app while offering several benefits. 

Key Factors to Consider Before Converting to Flutter for an Easy Migration Process.

Here, we have mentioned the common factors that need special consideration before you search for the top Flutter App Development Services. Evaluating these factors beforehand will save both your effort and time and allow you to go for a smooth transfer. 

1. Analyze your existing app complexity

You must begin with a detailed analysis of your app’s complexity. Assess third-party integrations, features, and overall functionalities of the existing application because it will determine the time and effort the migration may need. 

A simple app with minimal features, simple UI, and nominal backend interactions needs less effort and resources than any comparatively complex app. Thus, you need to understand its complexity beforehand. 

2. Consider the capabilities and limitations of Flutter

Flutter as an app development tool stands apart from the rest of the tools available. Its capable functionalities allow developers to craft attractive, responsive, high-quality apps with a single codebase for multiple platforms. 

In case the existing app depends on platform-based features or separate libraries, they may not always have Flutter’s support. Then, you will have to look for different options or create a strategy to migrate native apps with the Flutter app. 

3. Does your app need custom widgets?

If so, then the good news is Flutter allows you to customize the widgets as per app requirements. Custom widgets not only let the developers create exceptional UI/UX but also add high-end quality. But doing all these may require much effort and resources. 

Therefore, you must evaluate whether the app really needs specially customized widgets or whether its existing design can integrate into the Flutter environment smoothly. Otherwise, you will have to put extra time, effort, and resources into designing custom widgets. 

4. Assess third-party dependencies of the existing app: 

You have to prepare a list of all the SDKs, APIs, and third-party libraries the existing Android/iOS app uses, so you can analyze if Flutter supports these dependencies. If Flutter does not support any of the dependencies, you will have to find similar packages within the Flutter environment. 

If you cannot find similar packages, you will have to decide whether you can find their alternatives through platform channels to fit in the native codebase or if you have enough resources to create a new package in the Flutter community. 

5. Create a schedule to test the migration: 

When you convert an existing application to a Flutter app you get a single codebase for both Android and iOS, which requires thorough testing before the final launch. You must ensure the Flutter app runs smoothly on various devices without compromising performance. 

Moreover, the migration may affect a lot of functionalities within the app. Thus, it is important to test push notifications, third-party integrations, platform-oriented features, and such functionalities. 

6. Consider Flutter integration impact on users:

A smooth integration to the Flutter environment will not create any noticeable impact on your existing clientele. It will only enhance app performance by making it more consistent and responsive. 

However, you must consider any potential changes the migration brings for the time being. The app may face downtime, changed app behaviour, or issues regarding data integration. You have to be ready to handle possible problems that may occur. 

7. Quickly hire expert Flutter app developers: 

Migrating an app to Flutter may be easy but only if it is handled by Dartitude Labs Flutter developers. Whether it is Android, iOS, or both, an expert developer can go through the process seamlessly. 

Hire Experienced Flutter developers that understand the tool better than others and they are well accustomed to handling Flutter app migration services which include Dart programming language, UI library, widget libraries, etc. 

We have discussed the detailed migration process so you can understand what is to happen with your existing app. 

How to Transfer the Existing App into the Flutter Environment?

Although we recommend you hire dedicated Flutter app developers, in case you have technical experience, here is a detailed guide for you to follow. Firstly, you have to begin with integrating Flutter as a module or library with the existing Android/iOS app. It is necessary to design the app UI. 

Go to the Flutter Create-t module command to start project creation with a varied architecture. You can separate the native codebase from Flutter code this way as the module plays the role of a third-party dependency. 

Convert Existing Android App to Flutter

• Open the existing project page
• Go to the new Flutter module wizard
• Use Flutter Android APIs
• Build the design carefully and run it
• Attach it & go for Hot Reload

Here’s how Flutter integration with the Android app helps

• You have the option to add a Flutter SDK hook to the Gradle script to auto-build and access the Flutter module. 
• You can utilize the FlutterEngine API to begin and maintain the Flutter ecosystem autonomously. 
• Flutter also allows you to integrate it with different build systems. You can build your own Flutter module into a basic AAR. 
• You get to co-edit Android and Flutter projects through the Module Import/Creation wizard in Android Studio. 
• You can migrate Android app to Flutter as the process supports any app built with Kotlin or Java!
• You can use the Flutter Attach Function from IDE or easily command the line and connect to a Flutter app and debug or Hot Reload it. 
• Integrate Flitter plugins into your existing system and make Flutter modules interact with the system without any hassle. 

Convert Your iOS App to Flutter

• Open the existing project page
• Design Flutter module 
• Install CocoaPods
• Make complete use of Flutter iOS APIs
• Build the design carefully and run it
• Attach it & go for Hot Reload

Flutter lets you craft iOS apps in the best possible way! Learn how…

• You can add a Flutter SDK hook to the CocoaPods and Xcode build phase so it can build and import the module automatically. 
• Use FlutterEngine API to start and manage the Flutter ecosystem without any dependencies like FlutterViewCintroller. 
• Flutter SDK lets you design your own Flutter module into a common iOS framework, which helps to integrate the module with native systems. 
• Use Flutter plugins to better the interaction between the platform and modules. 
• FlutterEngine API supports both Swift and Objective-C apps.
• You can use the Flutter Attach Function from IDE or easily command the line and connect to a Flutter app and debug or Hot Reload it. 

Time & Budget You Need to Convert Your App into Flutter

The cost to convert an existing app to Flutter depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the app and feature requirements. A simple app will need comparatively less time and resources to be migrated to Flutter. But when it comes to a feature-rich application with numerous screens and appealing animations, the cost will be high. 

When you are planning to convert an existing application to a Flutter app, we recommend you hire expert Flutter app developers from experienced platforms like Dartitude Labs. The dedicated programmers examine the codebase of your existing app at first. Then, they decide what needs to be done to integrate it with the Flutter environment. 

The assessment of various aspects is necessary to determine the time it would take as well as the cost to convert an app to Flutter. The factors include:

• Complexity of App: As we have already mentioned, a complex app with several screens and appealing graphics will take more time and resources to migrate than a simple one with minimal screens. The developers determine what your app needs to enhance its performance while not disturbing the existing clientele. 
• Complexity of App Design: If you are planning to include custom widgets along with high-end designs or the existing app already has an elegant design and developers need to design widgets accordingly, it may take more time. It will automatically cost more than an app with minimal design. 
• Third-Party Integrations to the App: The developers will have more time to examine if the third-party integrations of your app are compatible with Flutter or not. They may even need to make required adjustments accordingly. Third-party integrations include various functionalities such as social media APIs, multiple payment gateway, etc. 

Well, now that you know which factors play crucial roles in determining the time and cost to convert an existing app to Flutter, we can make the estimation – 

• Developers may take up to 2 weeks to migrate a simple app to Flutter, and it can cost approximately $10k. 
• If the app has a complex UI/UX and contains numerous screens, it can take over 4 to 8 weeks, which will cost around $20k. 
• Also, an app with more complex features and dynamic designs may take up to 6 months to be migrated successfully to Flutter. The cost can range between $20k to $100k. 

This is just an insight into how much it may cost, but we suggest you hire well-experienced developers to get the apt estimation. Also, do not forget the additional cost to hire a developer!

We Are Here to Help! 

Are you planning to convert your existing apps to Flutter?

If yes, contact us now! Our dedicated team of developers at Dartitude Labs works meticulously to deliver well-crafted applications. 

As an expert Flutter app development company, Dartitude Labs possesses years of experience working with Flutter and migrating existing Android and iOS apps to the Flutter ecosystem. We have successfully backed numerous businesses over the time by developing multi-platform high-quality apps and converting existing applications to Flutter. 

Whether you need an in-depth understanding of the process or require expert solutions to help your app, reach out to us without delay. 

FAQs

1. Will migrating an existing app to Flutter make it hard for the app to handle future updates?

Flutter comes with a future-proof functionality, which focuses on backward compatibility and sustains new platform changes. In addition, Flutter’s Hot Reload feature lets the developers test and restate changes, making sure the app is up-to-date and performs with consistency. 

2. How much time and money does it cost to convert an existing app to Flutter? 

It completely depends on the complexity of the app. If you have a simple app with minimal design and fewer screens, it will cost less than comparatively more complex apps with stylish designs and too many screens. Depending on the app state and requirements, the developers determine how much time they will need to convert it to Flutter and how much it may cost. 

3. Will the app’s existing clientele dissolve after the migration to Flutter?

No, your app’s user base will remain the same before and during the migration. It is a smooth process that does not affect the existing clientele in any way. However, the transition attracts new users through better performance and high-quality features. 

4. Will the app’s graphics and performance change after migrating to Flutter?

As per your suggestions and app requirements, developers can design and create custom widgets to keep user interface and the graphics same as the original app. The transition aims to enhance app’s performance and offer improved user experience with retaining the familiar feel for the user base.  However, if you wish to make changes to the graphics, you can convey it to the developers so they can make the necessary changes.

5. Does Flutter support complex app features during migration?

Absolutely! Flutter supports advanced features, custom integrations, and complex UI/UX designs, ensuring no compromise in functionality.