Jakarta, INTI - After introducing two-way support for Apple’s AirDrop functionality to the Pixel 10 series last year, Google plans to expand file-sharing support with Apple devices to more Android devices in 2026.
At a press conference at Google’s Taipei office, Android Engineering Vice President Eric Kay confirmed that AirDrop interoperability will be extended in 2026.
"We spent a lot of time and energy making sure we could build something that is compatible not just with the iPhone, but also iPad and MacBook," he said, as quoted in Engadget on Friday, February 6, 2026.
"Now, after we proved it, we are working with partners to expand it across the ecosystem," he added.
Quick Share and Cross-Platform File Transfers
Currently, Pixel 10 users can send and receive files or photos between Apple and Android devices using the Quick Share feature.
To allow an Android phone to receive files from an iPhone, users must set Quick Share visibility to "everyone for 10 minutes" and ensure the device is in "receive" mode.
A similar scenario applies when sharing from Android to Apple devices, where iPhone, iPad, or Mac must be set to AirDrop visibility “anyone for 10 minutes,” which then allows Android devices with Quick Share to send files.
The initial rollout of this feature raised questions about the extent of Apple’s involvement, especially given the company’s reputation for maintaining a closed ecosystem.
However, to date, there has been no change from Apple regarding support for this feature.
In November of last year, Qualcomm also confirmed that Snapdragon-based devices would be able to transfer files to iPhones using Quick Share.
Google’s move to introduce file-sharing capabilities with Apple devices is seen as an effort to make it easier for users who want to switch from iPhone to Android.
Kay emphasized the company’s commitment to making cross-ecosystem data transfers as seamless as possible.
Conclusion
Google’s expansion of Quick Share to fully support Apple devices marks a significant step toward improving interoperability between Android and iOS ecosystems. By simplifying file transfers for users and collaborating with partners like Qualcomm, Google is reducing barriers for users switching platforms while reinforcing its commitment to cross-device connectivity and a seamless digital experience.
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