Flutter is finally addressing its long-existing scrolling bug (or feature)

Google has recently announced an upcoming update in its Flutter app development framework, targeted at fixing a long-existing bug related to scrolling in apps made using the platform. For those unfamiliar, Flutter is an open-source software development kit (SDK) from Google for building cross-platform mobile applications.

The peculiar scrolling bug in Flutter has earned the moniker “Flutter’s shibboleth” due to its unique nature. The bug influences the scrolling speed in Flutter-made apps depending upon the number of touches. For instance, scrolling with two fingers results in a scroll with double the speed. It deviates from the consistent scrolling experience observed in traditional Android and iOS apps.

Finally a fix for “Flutter’s shibboleth” after more than 5 years

The Flutter team has been aware of this bug since its early stages, with a GitHub issue filed in August 2017, well before Flutter’s stable release in December 2018. Despite its existence for years, a solution emerged only in October, when a Flutter contributor proposed a fix that aligns Flutter’s scrolling behavior with the standard seen on Android.

This proposal was accepted by the Flutter team as it may lead to some problems in certain scenarios. The upcoming major update, version 3.18, is currently available for beta testing. The fix addresses the bug, making scrolling in Flutter apps align with user expectations, that is the scroll speed will be independent form the number of touches. However, there will definitely be some people who used to approach it as a fun feature instead of a bug.

The Flutter team has also documented a method to revert to the fast-scrolling bug (or feature)

The Flutter team plans to further refine the scrolling behavior to accurately match how it works on iOS. With the upcoming changes, Flutter apps will automatically adapt their scrolling behavior to align with the specific platform, ensuring a more consistent and native-like experience for users.

However, recognizing the diversity of developer preferences, the Flutter team acknowledges that some may prefer to maintain the current (albeit unintentional) quick-scrolling gesture. For these developers, the team has documented a straightforward method to revert to the original scrolling style, providing flexibility for those who have grown accustomed to the existing behavior.

In conclusion, Google’s forthcoming Flutter update will address the long-standing scrolling bug (or feature for some). With the proposed changes, Flutter aims to deliver a more consistent platform-native feel for cross-platform apps. Here’s a demonstration of the fast-scrolling bug below.