No, you’re not dreaming. Google really is making one of the iPhone’s most prized features available on Android, and it can’t come soon enough.
AirDrop, a mainstay of iOS since 2013, allows photos, videos and other files to be securely and seamlessly shared between the iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Android has its own equivalent in the form of Quick Share but historically, this has only worked with other devices running Google’s OS.
However, in a surprise announcement, Google has confirmed that it will be “introducing a way for Quick Share to work with AirDrop”. In other words, this seamless file sharing will include both Android and iOS devices, rather than being platform-exclusive.
The functionality will initially be limited to the Pixel 10 series, but Google has confirmed that it will be “expanding it to more Android devices”. However, it’s unclear how long this might take, or if all Android 16 devices will eventually be compatible, just as they are with Quick Share.
To receive files on an iPhone, iPad or Mac, just make sure you’ve enabled the AirDrop setting labelled “Everyone for 10 Minutes”. On Android, choose “Everyone” or “Everyone for 10 minutes”. You’ll also need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be switched on for both the sending and receiving devices.
A move made in Brussels
While it might look as though Google and Apple have put their heads together and embraced collaboration, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Alex Moriconi, a Communications Manager at the company, confirmed to The Verge that Apple was not involved in the process whatsoever. However, Google is adamant that the feature isn’t a workaround, explaining that “the connection is direct and peer-to-peer”, avoiding any of the potential security risks of being routed via a third-party server.
So, why is this feature only becoming available now? As ArsTechnica reports, it’s a direct result of new European Union (EU) regulation.
A new specification within the Digital Markets Act (DMA) was released earlier this year, requiring Apple to ditch the proprietary protocol it uses for AirDrop in favour of a new standard, beginning with iOS 26.
Foundry
Following the software’s release in September, anyone could technically create a wireless sharing tool that was compatible with AirDrop. But, as the maker of Android and with its own version already well-established, Google was best placed to do so.
So, there you have it. It’s taken 12 years, but AirDrop will finally let you send and receive files from Android devices. Assuming it works as intended, both Google and the EU deserve a lot of credit.
Looking to buy a compatible Google Pixel phone? Read our full reviews of the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
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