Compose Multiplatform review
An open-source Kotlin framework for sharing UI while keeping access to native APIs.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Compose Multiplatform is JetBrains’ open-source declarative UI framework for Kotlin Multiplatform projects. It is aimed at teams that want to share interface code across Android, iOS, desktop, and web while retaining access to native APIs. Android uses Jetpack Compose-compatible APIs; desktop applications target Windows, macOS, and Linux through the JVM, and web applications use Kotlin/Wasm. Android, iOS, and desktop are described as stable and production-ready, making those targets the clearest fit for teams planning cross-platform Kotlin applications.
Its main appeal is shared UI without requiring every part of an application to be shared. Teams can adopt it for individual components, screens, or complete interfaces, and can embed native views or use native APIs. That allows gradual integration with SwiftUI, Android Views, or Swing rather than requiring an immediate replacement of existing UI. The framework includes Material components, state management, layouts, and animations, and offers Compose Hot Reload for desktop. IntelliJ IDEA and Android Studio provide the listed tooling, while Jetpack Compose and Kotlin Multiplatform form a natural fit for teams already working in that ecosystem.
The platform coverage is broad, but its maturity is not uniform: the official site labels web support as beta, so teams with a production web requirement should weigh that against the stable status of Android, iOS, and desktop. Desktop’s JVM target is also relevant when assessing runtime and deployment fit. Compose Multiplatform is a strong candidate for Kotlin teams seeking shared UI with native interoperability and the option to migrate incrementally. It is less suitable for projects that require mature web support today or are not organized around Kotlin and Kotlin Multiplatform. The project is open source and free, with documentation and community support channels.
Compose Multiplatform pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Share declarative UI across Android, iOS, desktop, and web
- Use native APIs and interoperate with native views
- Adopt gradually alongside SwiftUI, Android Views, or Swing
- Where it doesn't
- Web support through Kotlin/Wasm is labeled beta
- Desktop applications target the JVM
- The framework is centered on Kotlin Multiplatform projects
Compose Multiplatform fact sheet, pricing and score →
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