For years, Android users have looked with envy at Apple’s AirDrop, the effortless way iPhone, iPad, and Mac users can share files directly with one another. That gap is closing. Google has confirmed that interoperability between its Quick Share file-sharing system and Apple’s AirDrop will expand to a significantly wider range of Android devices throughout 2026.
The announcement, made during a press briefing at Google’s Taipei office, marks a significant step toward bridging the long-standing divide in cross-platform file sharing. Eric Kay, VP of engineering for the Android platform, stated, “Last year, we launched AirDrop interoperability. In 2026, we’re going to be expanding it to a lot more devices.” He added, “We spent a lot of time and energy to make sure that we could build something that was compatible not only with iPhone, but 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 Make sure to see some exciting announcements coming very soon.”
The initial implementation of AirDrop-like functionality on Android arrived with the Pixel 10 in late 2025. This allowed Pixel 10 users to directly share files with Apple devices, a capability previously unavailable. The expansion to other Android devices represents a move away from that exclusivity and towards a more universal solution.
The technical path to this interoperability was somewhat circuitous. For a long time, the differing protocols used by Android and Apple prevented direct communication. However, a change mandated by the European Union requiring Apple to implement the Wi-Fi Aware standard in AirDrop opened the door for Google to add support without requiring direct collaboration with Apple. Google leveraged this change to build compatibility into Quick Share.
Quick Share, formerly known as Google Nearby Share, is Android’s native file-sharing system. Prior to this development, Android users sharing files with iOS users typically relied on cloud-based solutions like Google Drive or messaging apps, adding extra steps and requiring an internet connection. The new interoperability allows for direct, peer-to-peer file transfer, similar to the original AirDrop experience.
While the initial implementation is a major step forward, some limitations remain. Currently, to receive files from an iPhone, Pixel users must set Quick Share visibility to “Everyone for 10 minutes” and enable receive mode. This isn’t the most seamless experience. Google has indicated an interest in refining the process to allow for “contacts only” sharing, which would significantly improve usability and privacy. This would likely require further protocol adjustments and coordination, though Google’s initial success suggests it’s technically feasible.
The security of the implementation is also noteworthy. Google built the interoperability using the memory-safe Rust programming language and subjected it to both internal threat modeling and external penetration testing by firms like NetSPI. NetSPI assessed the implementation as “notably stronger” than other similar systems, addressing potential security concerns associated with peer-to-peer file transfer.
The expansion of AirDrop interoperability isn’t simply about convenience; it addresses a long-standing pain point for users operating in mixed-platform environments. Many individuals and businesses routinely interact with both Android and iOS devices, and a seamless file-sharing experience is crucial for productivity. This development promises to streamline workflows and reduce friction for these users.
The timing of the announcement, coming shortly before Mobile World Congress (MWC) at the end of February, suggests that Google may unveil further details or demonstrate the expanded functionality at the event. MWC is a major industry showcase, and Google often uses the platform to announce significant Android updates and partnerships.
The broader implications of this move extend beyond just file sharing. It signals a potential shift towards greater interoperability between Android and Apple ecosystems, a trend that could benefit users on both sides. While a complete merging of the two platforms remains unlikely, incremental steps like this can improve the overall user experience and reduce the barriers to cross-platform collaboration. The question now is whether this is the first step towards deeper integration, perhaps even addressing the persistent “green bubble” vs. “blue bubble” dynamic in messaging.
