Google has announced plans to expand Quick Share’s compatibility with Apple’s AirDrop to a much wider range of Android devices this year. The feature, which first appeared on the Pixel 10 series in late 2025, allows Android phones to send and receive files directly with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.
Current Status of Quick Share and AirDrop
Quick Share, Android’s built-in tool for nearby file transfers (previously called Nearby Share), now supports two-way sharing with Apple’s AirDrop system. This started rolling out to the Pixel 10 family—including the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold—in November 2025.
Google developed this compatibility independently, without direct involvement from Apple. The company emphasized security in its implementation, with testing by internal teams and third-party experts.
To share files:
- The Apple device needs AirDrop set to “Everyone for 10 Minutes” for discoverability.
- On the Android side, users select the Apple device from the Quick Share options.
- Transfers happen peer-to-peer over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, keeping files full-resolution where possible.
This applies in both directions: Android users can send to Apple devices, and Apple users can send to compatible Android phones.
Expansion Plans for 2026
Eric Kay, Google’s Vice President of Engineering for Android, confirmed the broader rollout during a recent press briefing. He stated that after successful testing on the Pixel 10 series, the company is working with partners to bring the feature to more devices across the Android ecosystem.
Key points from the announcement:
- The expansion targets “a lot more devices” in 2026.
- It will include phones from other manufacturers, not just Google Pixel models.
- Google has made Quick Share available as a standalone app via the Play Store, which helps decouple the feature from specific hardware.
- Some older Pixel models, like the Pixel 9 series, have shown early signs of support in testing builds.
- Manufacturers such as Samsung (for Galaxy phones), Nothing, and those using Qualcomm Snapdragon chips are expected to prioritize integration.
No exact timeline or full device list has been shared yet, but announcements are expected soon. The goal is to make cross-platform file sharing standard for Android users.
Why This Matters
File sharing between Android and iOS devices has often required workarounds like messaging apps, email, or cloud services. This update reduces those steps, making transfers faster and more direct in mixed-device environments.
Google has positioned this as part of ongoing efforts for better compatibility between operating systems, similar to its work on RCS messaging and unknown tracker alerts.
