AirDrop is finally compatible with Android - no thanks to Apple

[DragonSlayer101]

Highly anticipated: In a move that will surely be appreciated by millions of smartphone users around the world, Google has updated Android's Quick Share file transfer protocol to work with Apple's AirDrop. The Pixel 10 family is the first to support the new feature, but Google plans to expand it to other Android devices in the future.

The interoperability will enable both iPhone and Android users to quickly and securely share photos, videos, music, and documents between the two platforms without using third-party apps like SHAREit, Send Anywhere, and InShare.

To enable cross-platform transfer, Pixel users will have to select the target file and choose Quick Share in the sharing menu, while iPhone users will have to select AirDrop's "Everyone for 10 Minutes" mode instead of the default "Contacts Only" to make the device discoverable to nearby Android handsets.

iPhone users will also be able to transfer files to compatible Android devices by simply selecting the relevant option in their AirDrop menu and treating it as any other AirDrop.

Sharing moments shouldn't depend on the phone you have. Starting today with the Pixel 10 family, Quick Share now works with AirDrop, making secure file transfers between Android phones and iPhones more seamless. This builds on our commitment to cross-OS compatibility to bridge… pic.twitter.com/iNdZfjCYQ7

– Android (@Android) November 20, 2025

The new feature supports the latest security protocols, protecting user data with the strongest safeguards that have been independently tested and verified by third-party cybersecurity experts from penetration testing firm NetSPI. The researchers reportedly found the interoperability feature "notably stronger" and more secure than other implementations.

To ensure the highest security standards, Google says it employed several cybersecurity best practices, including threat modeling, rigorous privacy reviews, and in-house penetration testing to identify and fix vulnerabilities.

The new feature is also protected by multi-layer encryption to create a secure sharing channel developed using the memory-safe Rust programming language, which helps safeguard against buffer overflow attacks and other vulnerabilities.

Google added that the feature implements a direct peer-to-peer connection between the sharing Android and iPhone rather than using an intermediary, making it more secure than some third-party workarounds that use external servers, rendering users susceptible to privacy breaches.

The feature works just like regular Bluetooth, Quick Share, or AirDrop, with the recipient needing to approve each transfer manually before the incoming file(s) can be downloaded on their device. The multi-step process is designed to prevent bad actors from sending malware to steal private data.

A Google spokesperson clarified to The Verge that the implementation was not achieved through a collaboration with Apple, and was instead developed without Cupertino's involvement. He did not respond to questions about how Google expects Apple to react and whether the company could pull the plug on the new feature.

Image credit: Vlad R

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AirDrop is finally compatible with Android – no thanks to Apple

 

[Squid Surprise]

Is it so hard to send via “normal” methods like email, text, etc?

 

[Axeia]

Is it so hard to send via “normal” methods like email, text, etc?

Email downside:
- Requires an internet connection
- Now the email provider has access to my file
- Uses data from my bundle (I'm a cheapskate - I got a 7GB monthly SIM only rollover plan)
- Limited in how large files can be and it might even restrict file types in some cases

Never in my life have I send a file over text (SMS/MMS) - all I know is that it basically died because providers charged silly prices and chat-apps did it at no extra cost aside from bandwidth. Afaik it's still expensive or uses some limit I'd have to look it up.

If you meant messenger type apps. Same downsides as email - I think there's some rare exceptions that work device to device walkie-talkies style but I don't think they support file transfers (I might be wrong).

Airdrop doesn't require a third party to act as the middleman, files go from one device to another no internet - heck, not even a router required. Just two devices in somewhat close proximity.
A rare Android feature that actually improves your privacy.

 

[p51d007]

Wouldn't surprise me if Apple either kills air drop, or puts in some sort of key that only allows it to work on Apple devices...because you know...walled garden.

 

[daffy duck]

Try sending a single 10MB image let alone multiple images, via email. I currently use OneDrive which is on my S21 and my wife's iPhone Pro Max as I already have a subscription that gives me 1TB of space as the quickest way to share large and multiple files.

 

[Squid Surprise]

Try sending a single 10MB image let alone multiple images, via email. I currently use OneDrive which is on my S21 and my wife's iPhone Pro Max as I already have a subscription that gives me 1TB of space as the quickest way to share large and multiple files.

I don't send much from my phone... all of the large files I have are on my PC - and I have a NAS that I "send" them from directly... was wondering how many people actually send tons of large files via their phones... but I guess there are a lot of them out there...

 

[BuckarooBonzaii]

Considering Google is the default search in Safari, maybe only pixel phones will have this feature since Pixel has both AOSP and closed source software, the GMS part. If Apple doesn't jump on this quick then you'll know some deal was possibly made or is in the works.

 

[bviktor]

Is it so hard to send via “normal” methods like email, text, etc?

Much more cumbersome, yes.

 

[m4a4]

Wouldn't surprise me if Apple either kills air drop, or puts in some sort of key that only allows it to work on Apple devices...because you know...walled garden.

Wouldn't surprise me either. However, with how heavily scrutinized Apple is around antitrust, it certainly wouldn't look good for them to lock it out at this time.

 

[Axeia]

I don't send much from my phone... all of the large files I have are on my PC - and I have a NAS that I "send" them from directly... was wondering how many people actually send tons of large files via their phones... but I guess there are a lot of them out there...

I'm not much of a social person myself but I know it's rather common for people doing group activities to want eachothers photo and movie files. I also know that iPhone users had a lot less (technical) issues doing so amongst themselves.
Good move on Google's part imo to make it easier. Just wondering if Apple will shut it down like they did when people started getting creative with ways of Android to send blue bubble messages.
IMO it's a win for them as it is as it's still a bit of a hassle for the iPhone users to be able to share to Android users but overall they'll still think less of it. And a win for users because now they don't have to mess with third party software. So I'd say a win for everyone but some might 'think different'.