Android Quick Share now works with AirDrop on iPhone, starting on Pixel 10

Google has officially announced that Android’s Quick Share feature now integrates with Apple’s AirDrop system, enabling seamless file transfer between Android and Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Android users can now see Apple devices in their Quick Share interface and select them as sharing targets, as long as AirDrop’s “Everyone for 10 minutes” mode is active. Similarly, Android devices will appear on Apple devices for easy sharing of photos, videos, and other files.

This new feature establishes a direct and peer-to-peer connection between devices, ensuring that data is never routed through a server, shared content is not logged, and no additional data is exchanged.

Although Google developed this interoperability independently without collaboration with Apple, it is open to partnering with Apple in the future to address interoperability issues, such as enabling a “Contacts Only” mode.

This initiative is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance cross-platform communication for users, eliminating the need to worry about the type of device being used by the recipient.

To enable this feature on Pixel 10 devices, users should navigate to Settings app > tap their name for Google services > All services > Privacy & security > System services, update the “Quick Share Extension,” and restart their phone.

Google emphasizes the security and privacy of this Quick Share-AirDrop interoperability, implementing a multi-layered security approach to ensure a safe sharing experience across different platforms.

• Secure Sharing Channel: The communication channel is fortified using Rust, a memory-safe language, to protect against common vulnerabilities.
• Built-in Platform Protections: Both Android and iOS platforms offer robust security measures to safeguard data during sharing processes.
• You’re in Control: Users have full control over the files they choose to accept or share across platforms.

Google conducted internal threat modeling, privacy reviews, and independent security assessments by third-party experts like NetSPI to validate the security of this feature, ensuring a secure and reliable cross-platform file sharing experience.

The Quick Share-AirDrop interoperability feature is initially available on the Pixel 10 series and will expand to more Android devices in the future, reflecting Google’s commitment to enhancing user experiences through seamless communication.

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