Google reveals AirDrop-style sharing is coming to all Android phones
After testing the feature on Pixel phones, Google has confirmed that AirDrop compatibility via Quick Share will soon expand to more Android devices.
For years, sharing files between Android phones and iPhones has felt like crossing a border without a visa. That gap finally started to close last year when Google quietly introduced AirDrop compatibility through Quick Share on the Pixel 10 series. Now, Google has confirmed that this feature will no longer remain a Pixel-only trick. AirDrop-style sharing is set to arrive on a much wider range of Android phones, and the rollout is closer than many expected.
The confirmation came during a recent press briefing at Google’s offices in Taipei, where the company was hosting select media and influencers. Speaking at the event, Eric Kay, Google’s Vice President of Engineering for Android, said the company is ready to take the next step after testing the feature on its own devices, Android Authority reports. According to Kay, Google has already shown that the technology works reliably, and the focus has now moved to bringing it to the rest of the Android ecosystem.
“Last year, we launched AirDrop interoperability. In 2026, we are going to be expanding it to a lot more devices,” Kay said. He added that Google spent considerable time making sure the system works smoothly not just with iPhones, but also with iPads and MacBooks. “Now that we’ve proven it out, we’re working with our partners to expand it into the rest of the ecosystem, and you should see some exciting announcements coming very soon.”
AirDrop-like feature first arrived on this Android phone in 2025
Google first enabled AirDrop interoperability via Quick Share on the Pixel 10 lineup in November 2025. Since then, the feature has stayed exclusive to those devices, despite growing curiosity among users of other Android phones. While there were signs that Google planned to expand support, this is the first time a senior executive has clearly confirmed that a broader rollout is officially on the way.
What makes this move important is how Google is positioning it. The company is not treating AirDrop compatibility as a workaround or a temporary bridge. Instead, it is being built as a platform-level feature within Android itself. Google says security has been a top priority, with the feature developed using trusted protocols and reviewed by independent auditors. In simple terms, this is meant to be a proper, long-term solution rather than a quick fix.
Android users will now be able to easily share photos with iPhones
Once expanded, Android users should be able to share photos, videos, and files directly with nearby iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks using Quick Share, without relying on third-party apps or cloud links. This could significantly reduce friction for people who regularly switch between Android and Apple devices, or who use different platforms at work and at home.
Interestingly, Kay also hinted that Google is thinking beyond just file sharing. He said the company is working on making it easier for people who decide to switch phones to transfer their data without hassle. While he did not name iOS directly, the comment strongly suggested Apple devices were part of the conversation. No specific features or timelines were shared, but it signals a broader push by Google to make Android feel less isolated from the Apple ecosystem.
What is the release date for AirDrop feature?
As for when users will actually see AirDrop-style sharing on non-Pixel phones, Google has only said that announcements are coming “very soon.” With major industry events lined up in the coming weeks, Android users may not have to wait too long for clarity. What is clear, however, is that Google always intended this feature to reach more devices, and the company now believes the groundwork is finally complete. SO, it shouldn't take a lot of time for the feature to make it to all Android devices.
For years, sharing files between Android phones and iPhones has felt like crossing a border without a visa. That gap finally started to close last year when Google quietly introduced AirDrop compatibility through Quick Share on the Pixel 10 series. Now, Google has confirmed that this feature will no longer remain a Pixel-only trick. AirDrop-style sharing is set to arrive on a much wider range of Android phones, and the rollout is closer than many expected.
The confirmation came during a recent press briefing at Google’s offices in Taipei, where the company was hosting select media and influencers. Speaking at the event, Eric Kay, Google’s Vice President of Engineering for Android, said the company is ready to take the next step after testing the feature on its own devices, Android Authority reports. According to Kay, Google has already shown that the technology works reliably, and the focus has now moved to bringing it to the rest of the Android ecosystem.
“Last year, we launched AirDrop interoperability. In 2026, we are going to be expanding it to a lot more devices,” Kay said. He added that Google spent considerable time making sure the system works smoothly not just with iPhones, but also with iPads and MacBooks. “Now that we’ve proven it out, we’re working with our partners to expand it into the rest of the ecosystem, and you should see some exciting announcements coming very soon.”
AirDrop-like feature first arrived on this Android phone in 2025
Google first enabled AirDrop interoperability via Quick Share on the Pixel 10 lineup in November 2025. Since then, the feature has stayed exclusive to those devices, despite growing curiosity among users of other Android phones. While there were signs that Google planned to expand support, this is the first time a senior executive has clearly confirmed that a broader rollout is officially on the way.
What makes this move important is how Google is positioning it. The company is not treating AirDrop compatibility as a workaround or a temporary bridge. Instead, it is being built as a platform-level feature within Android itself. Google says security has been a top priority, with the feature developed using trusted protocols and reviewed by independent auditors. In simple terms, this is meant to be a proper, long-term solution rather than a quick fix.
Android users will now be able to easily share photos with iPhones
Once expanded, Android users should be able to share photos, videos, and files directly with nearby iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks using Quick Share, without relying on third-party apps or cloud links. This could significantly reduce friction for people who regularly switch between Android and Apple devices, or who use different platforms at work and at home.
Interestingly, Kay also hinted that Google is thinking beyond just file sharing. He said the company is working on making it easier for people who decide to switch phones to transfer their data without hassle. While he did not name iOS directly, the comment strongly suggested Apple devices were part of the conversation. No specific features or timelines were shared, but it signals a broader push by Google to make Android feel less isolated from the Apple ecosystem.
What is the release date for AirDrop feature?
As for when users will actually see AirDrop-style sharing on non-Pixel phones, Google has only said that announcements are coming “very soon.” With major industry events lined up in the coming weeks, Android users may not have to wait too long for clarity. What is clear, however, is that Google always intended this feature to reach more devices, and the company now believes the groundwork is finally complete. SO, it shouldn't take a lot of time for the feature to make it to all Android devices.