Android Quick Share Gets AirDrop Support: Pixel 10 Becomes First to Enable Cross-Platform Sharing

- November 22, 2025

Android Quick Share AirDrop Support Explained: Compatible Devices, Features & How It Works”

Android Quick Share Now Works With Apple AirDrop (Pixel 10 First to Get It)

Google has officially rolled out one of the biggest interoperability upgrades in smartphone history — Android Quick Share now supports Apple AirDrop. This means users can seamlessly send photos, videos, and files between Android and iPhone/iPad/Mac devices for the first time.

The feature is currently exclusive to the Pixel 10 series, but Google confirmed that it will expand to more Android devices in the coming months. This is a massive step towards making file sharing universal, simple, and cross-platform.

In this blog, we break down how it works, what devices support it, how to use it, the limitations, and what’s coming next.

What Is the New Android–AirDrop Interoperability?

Android’s Quick Share (formerly Nearby Share) is Google’s built-in wireless file-sharing system.
Apple’s AirDrop is the equivalent feature for iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Until now, these two systems never talked to each other.

But with Google’s new update:

✔ Pixel 10 users can send files to AirDrop-enabled Apple devices
✔ iPhone/iPad/Mac users can send files back to Pixel 10
✔ The transfer works peer-to-peer (P2P) — no internet needed
✔ The process is secured with a verified encrypted connection

This is the first time Android and iPhone can share files without apps, cables, Bluetooth pairing, or cloud uploads.

How Does Quick Share ↔ AirDrop Sharing Work?

Google says the interoperability layer is built using Rust, a secure programming language known for preventing memory vulnerabilities.

Key technical details:

Transfers are peer-to-peer, meaning files don’t go through Google or Apple servers.
Devices show your device name before accepting the transfer for security.
Apple devices must be set to “Everyone for 10 Minutes” for discovery.
No internet connection required — Bluetooth + Wi-Fi Direct handle the transfer.

This ensures fast, safe, and private file sharing.

How to Use Quick Share With AirDrop (Step-by-Step)

From Pixel 10 → iPhone/iPad/Mac

Open Photos / Files / Gallery.
Tap Share → choose Quick Share.
The nearby Apple device must first enable:
AirDrop → Everyone for 10 minutes
The iPhone/Mac name will appear.
Tap to send → receiver taps Accept.

From iPhone → Pixel 10

Open the file → Tap Share.
Select AirDrop.
Pixel 10 appears → tap it.
Pixel 10 user accepts the transfer.

That’s it — no linking, pairing, or app installation needed.

Devices That Support Quick Share ↔ AirDrop (Right Now)

Android:

Google Pixel 10
Pixel 10 Pro
Pixel 10 Fold (expected via update)

Google has already confirmed this is “the first step”, meaning Samsung, Xiaomi, Nothing, and other OEMs will get support later.

Apple (no restrictions on models):

iPhones with AirDrop
iPads with AirDrop
MacBooks/iMacs/Mac Mini with AirDrop support

All Apple devices simply need to update to the latest iOS/iPadOS/macOS version.

Limitations You Should Know

While this is a revolutionary feature, it has some limitations in the early rollout.

1. Only Pixel 10 Supports It (For Now)

Other Android brands will get it later — timeline not announced yet.

2. iPhone Must Use "Everyone for 10 Minutes" Mode

AirDrop’s "Contacts Only" discoverability is not supported yet.
This was done to ensure security during the initial rollout.

3. Region or Update Delay

Some regions may receive the update later depending on carrier or OTA rollout.

H2: Why This Update Is a Big Deal

✔ Solves a 10-Year Problem

Users always struggled with transferring files between Android and iPhone.

✔ No Third-Party Apps Required

No more SHAREit, Snapdrop, WhatsApp compression, or USB cables.

✔ Part of a Larger Google–Apple Collaboration

After RCS adoption and unknown tracker alerts, this shows a trend:

➡ More interoperability is coming.

Expected Future Updates

According to Google’s announcement, upcoming improvements may include:

✔ Support for more Android phones

Samsung Galaxy, Nothing Phone, Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, Motorola — all expected.

✔ Support for AirDrop “Contacts Only” mode

This will make iPhone discovery more private.

✔ Deeper OS-level integration

Sharing via drag-and-drop or cross-platform clipboard is possible in future.

Final Verdict — A Much-Needed Upgrade

Android Quick Share and Apple AirDrop finally talking to each other is a huge milestone for smartphone users. While currently limited to Pixel 10 devices, this feature will soon reach more Android phones, making cross-platform sharing faster, simpler, and universal.

If you run a tech blog or simply love tech updates, this is one of the biggest stories of 2025.

FAQs

Q1. Does Quick Share work with AirDrop on all Android phones?

No. As of now, only the Pixel 10 series supports it.

Q2. Do I need the internet to share files?

No. Sharing works via peer-to-peer Wi-Fi + Bluetooth.

Q3. Does this compromise privacy?

No. Transfers are encrypted and do not go through online servers.

Q4. Can iPhone discover Android devices in Contacts Only mode?

Not yet — iPhone must be set to “Everyone for 10 Minutes”.

Q5. Will Samsung phones get this feature?

Yes, but Google has not confirmed the exact date.