Android Quick Share Now Compatible with iPhone AirDrop

Google's Quick Share Now Compatible with Apple AirDrop

In an unexpected development, Google has implemented an update to Quick Share, enabling compatibility with Apple’s AirDrop technology. This allows for simplified file and photo transfers between Android and iPhone devices.

Initial Rollout and Future Expansion

The initial release of this new functionality is available for the Pixel 10 series, and it is designed to function seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, and macOS devices.

Google intends to broaden the availability of this feature to a wider range of Android devices in subsequent updates.

Seamless Cross-Platform Sharing

According to Google, this new capability empowers users to share photos, videos, and files rapidly, irrespective of the recipient’s mobile operating system.

How the Integration Works

Currently, Quick Share integrates with AirDrop when the iPhone user configures their device to be discoverable to anyone utilizing AirDrop’s “Everyone for 10 minutes” setting.

Subsequently, the Pixel user can identify the iPhone as an available device when initiating a Quick Share transfer.

Future Enhancements and Apple Collaboration

“This initial implementation, leveraging the ‘Everyone for 10 minutes’ mode, represents a foundational step towards truly seamless cross-platform sharing,” Google stated in a recent blog post.

“We are eager to collaborate with Apple to enable the ‘Contacts Only’ mode in the future, further enhancing user privacy and convenience.”

Ensuring Secure Transfers

Google emphasizes the importance of verifying the recipient’s device name displayed on the screen to confirm you are sharing with the intended individual.

Two-Way File Transfer

The update facilitates bidirectional communication, meaning iPhone users can also transmit files to Pixel phones.

For a Pixel device to receive a file, it must also be set to discoverable mode.

Direct and Secure Connection

Google confirms that this feature does not rely on any workarounds; the connection is established directly, peer-to-peer.

This direct connection ensures that data is not routed through a server, and shared content remains unlogged.

Security Measures

“We prioritized security throughout the development process, incorporating robust safeguards that were rigorously tested by independent security professionals,” Google explained.

“This is another example of our commitment to improving compatibility between operating systems, building upon our previous work with RCS and unknown tracker alerts.”

Apple's Response

Notably, Google’s blog post does not provide details regarding the collaborative efforts with Apple to launch this new functionality.

TechCrunch has contacted Apple for a statement and will provide an update if one is received.