Android Quick Share Gets AirDrop Support: Pixel 10 Becomes First to Enable Cross-Platform Sharing
Quick Share AirDrop is LIVE: How to Send Files Between Pixel 10 & iPhone, Devices & Full Guide
Last Updated: 01 December 2025
The long-awaited dream of Android-to-iPhone file sharing is finally a reality. Google has officially rolled out Quick Share ↔ AirDrop interoperability, making it possible for Pixel 10 users to send and receive files from iPhones, iPads, and Macs—without cables, apps, or cloud uploads.
This breakthrough marks one of the biggest interoperability upgrades in smartphone history and sets the foundation for universal, cross-platform sharing.
In this guide, you’ll learn how Quick Share works with AirDrop, supported devices, security details, limitations, and step-by-step instructions.
π What Is Quick Share ↔ AirDrop Interoperability?
Quick Share (formerly Nearby Share) is Google’s wireless sharing tool for Android devices.
AirDrop is Apple’s built-in file-sharing system.
Until now, these systems couldn’t communicate. But with Google’s November 2025 update, Pixel 10 users can now:
- Share files to any Apple device that supports AirDrop
- Receive files from iPhones, iPads, and Macs
- Enjoy fast, secure, peer-to-peer transfers
- Use the feature without Apple’s involvement or changes to iOS
Key Features
- Two-Way Transfer: Both Android → iPhone and iPhone → Android work.
- P2P Connection: Uses Bluetooth + Wi-Fi Direct for high-speed sharing.
- Secure Encryption: Built using Rust for enhanced security and memory safety.
- Universal Compatibility on Apple Side: Any AirDrop-supported iPhone/iPad/Mac works.
This upgrade finally removes the decade-old barrier between the two ecosystems.
⚙️ How Quick Share Works With AirDrop
The process uses a combination of wireless technologies:
- Bluetooth → For device discovery
- Wi-Fi Direct → For high-speed, offline file transfer
- Rust-based encryption → Secures the entire communication channel
✔️ Security Highlights
- Files never pass through Google or Apple servers
- No logs, no metadata stored
- User must confirm before receiving any transfer
- Apple device must be temporarily set to “Everyone for 10 Minutes” for discoverability
π₯ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Share Files Between Pixel 10 & iPhone
A) Send Files From Pixel 10 → iPhone/iPad/Mac
- On the Apple device:
- Go to Settings → AirDrop → Everyone for 10 Minutes
- On Pixel 10:
- Open Photos / Files / Gallery
- Tap Share → Quick Share
- Select the nearby iPhone/Mac from the list
- iPhone user taps Accept
B) Send Files From iPhone → Pixel 10
- On Pixel 10:
- Set Quick Share visibility → Everyone for 10 Minutes
- On iPhone:
- Open the file → Tap Share → AirDrop
- Select Pixel 10 from the AirDrop list
- Pixel user taps Accept to receive
π± Supported Devices (Current & Upcoming)
Android Devices (Initial Rollout)
| Device | Support Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 10 Series | LIVE | Works on Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold |
| Quick Share Extension (App) | Required | Must be installed for interoperability |
Future Expansion
- All upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 smartphones (Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, iQOO, etc.)
- Older Pixel models (rollout in 2026)
- Wider Android manufacturer support confirmed by Google
Apple Devices
- Any iPhone, iPad, or Mac that supports AirDrop and runs the latest OS version is compatible.
⛔ Current Limitations
Although the feature is groundbreaking, some restrictions still exist:
- Contacts Only mode not supported
- iPhone must remain on Everyone for 10 Minutes for discovery
- Only Pixel 10 lineup supported initially
- Wider Android rollout will take place gradually in 2026
✅ Final Verdict
The arrival of Quick Share ↔ AirDrop sharing is a huge milestone for mobile users.
You no longer need third-party apps, cloud links, or USB cables to transfer files between Android and iPhone.
This update brings:
- Faster transfers
- Better security
- Universal compatibility
- A smoother, more connected mobile experience
For many, this is the biggest quality-of-life upgrade in the smartphone ecosystem in years.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Does Quick Share work with AirDrop on all Android phones?
No. As of now, only the Google Pixel 10 series supports it. More devices will get it in 2026.
Q2. Do I need internet to share files?
No. Transfers use offline Wi-Fi Direct + Bluetooth.
Q3. Is the feature secure?
Yes. The connection is encrypted and built using Rust, making it safer than many other sharing protocols.
Q4. Can iPhone detect Pixel in “Contacts Only” mode?
Not yet. The iPhone must be set to Everyone for 10 Minutes.
Q5. Will Samsung phones get this feature?
Yes. Samsung’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-based devices will support it.

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