Google expands AirDrop-style Quick Share to Android

• Google will expand AirDrop-style support on more Android devices, building on Quick Share first added to the Pixel 10 last year.
• The move aims to ease cross-platform file transfers between Android phones and Apple devices.
• Users should expect simpler device-to-device sharing and potential privacy and compatibility questions as adoption grows.
• Rollout details and device eligibility are still limited, but the change signals broader cross-platform cooperation.

What’s changing

Google plans to bring AirDrop-compatible sharing to more Android phones. The expanded support builds on the Apple-friendly Quick Share feature Google introduced on the Pixel 10 last year.

Why it matters

Cross-platform sharing has long been a pain point for households and workplaces that mix Android and iPhone devices. If Android devices can directly exchange files with Apple devices using an AirDrop-style flow, users will avoid workarounds like messaging apps, cloud uploads, or Bluetooth pairing.

For consumers, this promises faster transfers for photos, videos and documents. For businesses and schools, it reduces friction when moving content between mixed-device fleets.

What users can expect

The initial step was rolling Quick Share to the Pixel 10 last year; expanding that capability means eligible Android phones will likely see a similar one-tap sharing experience when exchanging files with iPhones and iPads.

Expect the workflow to look familiar: discover nearby devices, approve a transfer, and accept or decline incoming files. Google will need to balance convenience with established privacy controls so users aren’t surprised by unsolicited transfers.

Questions and caveats

Google hasn’t published a full device list or timing for the wider rollout. That leaves open questions about which manufacturers and Android versions will get support and when carriers or OEM customizations might delay updates.

Interoperability with Apple’s AirDrop implementation may also involve technical and policy negotiations behind the scenes. Security and user consent will be important focal points as the feature spreads.

Bottom line

This expansion is a practical step toward smoother file sharing across platforms. It could significantly reduce friction for mixed-device users, but the full benefits depend on rollout speed, device coverage, and how Google balances ease of use with privacy safeguards.