Google’s AirDrop for Android is coming ‘very soon’
▼ Summary
– Google has announced that AirDrop support via Quick Share will expand to more Android phones beyond the Pixel 10 series in 2026.
– The functionality, which allows file sharing with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, was first launched exclusively on the Pixel 10 in late 2025.
– Google’s VP of Engineering stated the company has now “proven” the feature and is working with partners to expand it across the Android ecosystem.
– Announcements regarding this expansion are expected to come “very soon,” with potential venues including Samsung’s Unpacked event or MWC.
– Google also hinted at future work to make data transfer easier for users switching from iOS to Android, though no specific details were provided.
The ability to seamlessly share files between Android and Apple devices is set to become a mainstream reality. Google has confirmed that its AirDrop-compatible Quick Share feature will expand beyond the Pixel 10 series to many more Android phones this year. During a recent briefing in Taipei, Google’s VP of Engineering for Android, Eric Kay, stated that announcements regarding this expansion are coming “very soon.”
Kay explained that after launching the interoperability feature last year, the company has proven the technology works reliably with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. With that foundation solidly in place, Google is now actively collaborating with its manufacturing partners to bring the functionality to the broader Android ecosystem. This move fulfills Google’s original stated intention to make this cross-platform sharing a standard capability.
Initially introduced in November 2025, the feature allowed Pixel 10 users to share files directly with nearby Apple devices using the Quick Share menu, much like Apple’s native AirDrop. Until now, this convenient bridge between operating systems has remained exclusive to Google’s flagship phones. While hints of a wider rollout have circulated, Kay’s remarks provide the first concrete confirmation and timeline.
The mention of “very soon” for announcements has sparked speculation that news could arrive at upcoming industry events like Samsung’s Unpacked or Mobile World Congress (MWC). Regardless of the venue, the expansion promises to significantly improve everyday convenience for millions of users who operate in mixed-device environments at home, work, or school.
In a related comment, Kay also hinted at broader efforts to improve cohesion between Android and iOS. He noted that Google is working to simplify the process of switching from an iPhone to an Android device, ensuring users can transfer all their data effortlessly. While no specific details were provided, this points to a continued push for more fluid interoperability between the two major mobile platforms.
(Source: 9to5Google)
