The file sharing problem between Android and iOS, which has been one of the biggest obstacles in the technology world for years, is finally becoming a thing of the past. Quick Share infrastructure, developed under the leadership of Google and Samsung, breaks down the walls between ecosystems by being compatible with Apple’s AirDrop protocol.

In this new era, only certain Android models can perform direct, wireless and high-speed data transfer with iPhone and Mac devices. Users can now send a photo or a heavy file from their gallery to a device on the opposite platform within seconds, without the need for third-party applications or cloud services.

• Quick Share, renewed in cooperation with Google and Samsung, is fully compatible with AirDrop, enabling cross-platform file transfer.

• This feature is currently offered as standard on new generation flagship models such as Pixel 10 and Galaxy S26 series.

• A gradual rollout process is planned with system updates such as One UI 8.5 for older model devices.

The Walls Between Android and iOS Are Falling Down

Quick Share, Google’s file sharing standard, is starting to talk to AirDrop in Apple’s closed ecosystem. This revolutionary development is actually the result of a serious optimization made by hardware manufacturers at the software layer.

When users enter their phone’s sharing menu, they can see nearby iPhones just like an Android device. Bluetooth low energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi Direct technologies are used during transmission, which ensures that the data is transmitted in its original size without deteriorating the quality.

First Models to Receive AirDrop Support

With the introduction of the service, certain devices are pioneering this technology. On the Google side, the Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 series are among the first phones to receive this support, while on the Samsung side, the Galaxy S26 family comes with this feature installed out of the box. In particular, Samsung’s One UI 8.5 version is the key to this integration.

The list of devices that currently offer support and are in the testing phase as follows:

• Samsung:Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra (Native support)

• Google:Pixel 10 series and Pixel 9 series

• Oppo:Find X9 Ultra and Find X9 series

• vivo:X300 Ultra

Devices That Will Receive Updates Soon

The scope of the service is not limited to the newest models. Google announces that other major players in the Android ecosystem will also join this caravan.

With the updates to be released in the coming months, Xiaomi, Honor and OnePlus users will also have the opportunity to send files to iPhone models.

Especially upper segment models such as Honor Magic8 Pro and OnePlus 15 are expected to receive this support in the second half of the year. On the Samsung side, the Galaxy S25 and S24 series, as well as the foldable-screen Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 models, are starting to experience this feature through beta programs.

Alternative Sharing with QR Code

If your device does not have hardware-based AirDrop support, Google offers a solution here too. Thanks to a temporary QR code created via the Quick Share menu, transfers can be made quickly from any Android phone to iPhone via a cloud-based bridge. This method stands out as a lifesaving alternative for old model devices that do not offer full compatibility.

Security and Privacy Standards

Security is one of the most curious issues when switching between platforms. This bridge between Quick Share and AirDrop is protected by end-to-end encryption. This means that a file you send remains inaccessible to third parties until it reaches the recipient. In addition, users can prevent unwanted file requests by setting the visibility of their devices to “Everyone”, “Only Contacts” or “Hidden”.