How To Convert iOS App To Flutter?

Published on September 27th, 2024

The iOS operating system powers more than 2.2 billion Apple devices currently. Despite, the number of Android users are high, with over 3 billion active users worldwide. So, as an iOS app owner, you are missing about 48.22% of users worldwide.

To bridge this gap and to leverage the benefits of both world, to convert iOS app to Flutter is a great strategy. You can reach the vast Android user base without creating a new Android app. Flutter is an open-source cross-platform app development platform. Hence, you can develop apps for both iOS and Android without having to write codes separately.

If you have an Android app, and want to benefit from the iOS market, our detailed article on “how to convert Android apps to Flutter” can help. 

So, without delay, let’ start the process of hoe to convert iOS app to Flutter.

Stepwise Process to convert iOS App to Flutter

1. Understand Your Existing iOS App 

As the first step, take the time to thoroughly assess your existing iOS app. Segment it into components such as the business logic, UI, and APIs used. Find out the core functionalities that you need to carry over into Flutter. Also, make a list of any iOS-specific features that you would need to replace or modify to work in a cross-platform environment.

For example, you might need to re-implement features like camera access, push notifications, or location services using Flutter’s plugins.

2. Setup Flutter Environment  

To enable the migration, you will need to set up a Flutter development environment. The steps include:

• Download the SDK for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) from the official website of Flutter.
• Ensure that your X-code is up-to-date.
• Install Android Studio.
• Set up IDE plugins by installing the Flutter and Dart plugins in the code editor (either VS Code or Android Studio) of your choice.
• Verify your setup by running the command “flutter doctor”. You will be notified if you have any missing dependencies.

3. Create A New Flutter Project

Once your environment is ready, create a new Flutter project by running the command:

This command will create a basic directory structure for the Flutter app.

Also Read: How To Convert APK To Flutter Code – A Practical Guide?

4. Move iOS-specific Code 

In this step, you will need to port the iOS-specific code from your existing app to the Flutter app. To invoke iOS native code from Flutter, use platform channels. This will let you reuse parts of your old app.

Now, follow these steps to integrate iOS-specific code:

• Create platform channels in the iOS directory of your Flutter project. These channels will enable communication between Flutter and native iOS code.
• Reuse Objective-C or Swift Code. Use the platform channels to trigger these functionalities from Flutter.
• Integrate Flutter plugins like flutter_local_notifications or camera to replace iOS-specific APIs.

If you are working with APK files and want to migrate them to Flutter, here’s a step-by-step guide on “how to convert APK to Flutter code?”

5. Convert UI Components 

Next, rebuild the app UI in Flutter using Flutter’s widgets. Widgets are different from the storyboard or SwiftUI approach used in iOS app development.

To start, break down the existing iOS app’s UI into manageable components and match them with Flutter widgets.

For example:

• Use Container, Row, and Column for layout management.
• Use Scaffold for basic app structure, such as navigation drawer, app bar, etc.).
• Use Text, Image, and Button widgets for common UI elements.

6. Move Business Logic 

Once you have rebuilt the UI, next migrate the business logic from the iOS app to Flutter. Currently, you might be using Swift or Objective-C. But, in Flutter, you will use Dart.

Find custom services, controllers, or API integrations in your iOS app and move them over to Dart. If you have been using an organized architecture like MVVM (Model-View-View-Model) or MVC, it will be easy to transition from iOS to Flutter. That’s because you will only need to rewrite the business logic into Dart without changing the architecture.

To enable API calls, Flutter’s http package is an intuitive library that handle REST API requests.

For a broader look at how to convert iOS app to Flutter, see our full tutorial on how to convert your existing app to Flutter.

7. Test The App 

• Run the flutter run command to launch the app on an emulator or real device.
• Test all features while focusing on platform-specific bugs that may arise.
• Use Flutter’s debugging tools to fix any issues.

8. Optimize and Release 

Flutter provides numerous tools to optimize the app for release.

• Reduce the app size by removing unnecessary rebuilds, code, and other assets.
• Optimize performance for smooth animations and faster load times.

At last, release the app on both Google Play Store and Apple Store by following the Flutter’s guidelines.

Read More: How to Convert Your Existing Mobile App to Flutter Easily?

Conclusion

When you convert iOS app to Flutter, you leverage your existing developmental efforts and streamline the process. Follow these steps and get ready to expand your reach and audience base for success in the competitive app market.