KMP vs Flutter: Why Google Backs Both Frameworks
The Puzzle That's Got Developers Talking
Here's something that caught everyone off guard at Google I/O 2024: Google announced they're officially backing Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP). Now, if you're wondering why they'd do this when Flutter's already in their toolkit, you're not alone.
Turns out, these aren't competing frameworks—they're solving completely different problems. Let me walk you through what's really happening.
Flutter: The All-in-One Solution
Google launched Flutter in 2017 with a simple pitch: write your code once, and it runs on iOS, Android, web, and desktop. They built it around Dart, and while that's another language to learn, there's method to the madness.
Flutter's Key Features
- Single Codebase: Write once, deploy everywhere
- Hot Reload: See changes instantly
- 25,000+ Widgets: Massive UI component library
- 60 FPS Performance: Smooth animations
- Strong Community: Huge ecosystem and support
Kotlin Multiplatform: A Different Approach
KMP, built by JetBrains with Google's official support since 2024, works differently. It focuses on sharing business logic while keeping UIs native. SwiftUI for iOS, Jetpack Compose for Android.
KMP's Key Features
- Selective Sharing: Share only what you need
- Native UI: Platform-specific interfaces
- Gradual Migration: Add to existing apps
- Direct API Access: No platform barriers
- Kotlin-Based: Android devs already know it
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Flutter | KMP |
|---|---|---|
| Code Sharing | 100% (UI + Logic) | Business Logic Only |
| UI | Custom (Skia) | Native |
| Language | Dart | Kotlin |
| Speed | Very Fast | Moderate |
| App Size | Larger (+3-4MB) | Smaller |
| Best For | New Projects | Existing Native Apps |
Why Google Backs Both
1. Different Problems: Flutter for rapid development, KMP for existing native apps
2. Google Uses Both: Docs runs on KMP, NotebookLM uses Flutter
3. Android Ecosystem: KMP strengthens Kotlin adoption
4. Developer Choice: One size doesn't fit all projects
Flutter: Pros & Cons
✓ Advantages
- Single codebase saves months
- Hot reload speeds development
- Consistent UI everywhere
- Massive widget library
- Great for MVPs
✗ Challenges
- Larger app size
- May not feel native
- Another language to learn
- Platform channels for native features
KMP: Pros & Cons
✓ Advantages
- 100% native feel
- Smaller app size
- Works with existing apps
- Native performance
- Android devs know Kotlin
✗ Challenges
- Build UI twice
- Takes longer initially
- Smaller community
- More complex setup
Real-World Usage
Flutter: Google (Pay, Ads), Alibaba, eBay, BMW, Universal Studios
KMP: Google (Docs, Workspace), Netflix, Philips, VMware, McDonald's
Google's Official Stance
At I/O 2024, Google recommended KMP for business logic sharing. They've added Jetpack library support (Room, DataStore, ViewModel) and are working with JetBrains on tooling.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Flutter When:
- Time is tight, need to ship fast
- Building an MVP on limited budget
- Want consistent UI across platforms
- Starting a new project from scratch
- Need web and desktop too
Choose KMP When:
- Have existing native apps
- Native UI/UX is critical
- Team knows Kotlin well
- Need immediate platform API access
- Want gradual migration
The Bottom Line
This isn't Flutter versus KMP—it's Flutter AND KMP. Google's supporting both because they serve different needs. Flutter's getting regular updates, KMP is rapidly integrating into Android.
Both frameworks deliver excellent performance and are production-ready. Your project requirements should drive the choice, not framework wars. The real winner? Developers who now have mature, well-supported options for whatever comes their way.
Key Takeaways
- Google backs both for different use cases
- Flutter = rapid unified development
- KMP = native feel with shared logic
- Both are production-ready
- Choose based on your needs
