AirDrop was long a convenient feature, but clearly limited to the Apple ecosystem. Files could be easily shared between iPhones, iPads, and Macs, but Android devices were left out. With the introduction of QuickShare AirDrop interoperability, this changed for the first time. Now, Google has confirmed that this AirDrop compatibility will be extended to significantly more Android devices in the future.
Last November, Google announced a cross-platform feature that allows users of the Google Pixel 10 and Apple devices to share files directly with each other. This is based on interoperability between Google's Quick Share and Apple's AirDrop.
Eric Kay, Vice President of Engineering for the Android platform at Google, recently revisited the topic during a Pixel Labs tour at Google's Taipei office. His statements were reported by Adamya Sharma of Android Authority, who attended the press conference.
Kay explained that AirDrop interoperability was introduced last year. The plan is to expand the feature to many more devices by 2026. Google has invested significant time and energy in developing a solution compatible not only with iPhones, but also with iPads and Macs. Having overcome this technical hurdle, they are now working with partners to bring the feature to the rest of the Android ecosystem. According to Kay, further announcements are expected in the near future.
Current status of AirDrop Quick Share interoperability
Currently, file sharing via Quick Share AirDrop interoperability works on the following devices:
- Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad and Mac
- Google Pixel 10
- Pixel 10 Pro
- Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Pixel 10 Fold
Files can be exchanged directly between these devices without additional apps or cloud services.
Google has not yet specified which Android smartphones will be supported next. However, statements by Eric Kay strongly suggest that AirDrop compatibility will no longer be exclusive to Pixel devices.
Technical implementation: Distribution via the Play Store
A key indicator of the planned expansion lies in the technical implementation. Google has not tied AirDrop interoperability to a Pixel-exclusive system component. Instead, the Quick Share extension has been transformed from a so-called stub system app into a full APK.
This APK is distributed via the Google Play Store. This makes it easier to update the feature and roll it out to devices from different manufacturers. The solution is therefore not permanently integrated into the Pixel hardware, but can be used flexibly.
This technical decision clearly indicates that Google intends to establish AirDrop Quick Share interoperability as a broader Android feature, rather than as an exclusive feature of individual devices.
Support from partners and chip manufacturers
Other companies have also expressed interest in the integration. Nothing has officially confirmed that the feature will be implemented on its own smartphones. Furthermore, Qualcomm has indicated that it is working on supporting QuickShare AirDrop interoperability for Snapdragon smartphones.
These indications reinforce the impression that AirDrop compatibility could be gradually integrated into the wider Android ecosystem.
AirDrop interoperability security model
Google emphasizes that the interoperability between Quick Share and AirDrop is based on a multi-layered security model. This includes:
- An encrypted transmission channel
- Integrated platform protection measures on Android and iOS
- Explicit consent from the recipient before receiving files
The file transfer therefore does not happen automatically, but requires active confirmation.
Currently, cross-platform sharing only works in "Everyone for 10 minutes" mode for both AirDrop and Quick Share. However, Google has stated that it is generally open to collaborating with Apple to support the "Contacts only" mode in the future.
AirDrop interoperability: Expansion to the entire Android ecosystem planned
The planned expansion of AirDrop Quick Share interoperability marks an important step towards cross-platform collaboration between Android and Apple. After initially being limited to select Pixel devices, the feature is expected to be rolled out to many more Android smartphones starting this year.
The technical implementation via a standalone Play Store APK, support from manufacturers like Nothing, and signals from Qualcomm show that Google wants to establish AirDrop compatibility in the entire Android ecosystem in the long term.
This means that AirDrop, at least in conjunction with Quick Share, is evolving from a purely Apple feature into an increasingly cross-platform solution for direct and secure file sharing. (Image: Google)
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