Google’s AirDrop for Android Launching “Very Soon”
▼ Summary
– The functional differences between iOS and Android are minimal, but corporate prioritization of user lock-in hinders system compatibility.
– Google is actively working to improve cross-platform file sharing, having already added basic AirDrop support to its Pixel 10 devices.
– Currently, only Google’s latest Pixel 10 phones can initiate AirDrop file transfers with Apple devices like iPhones.
– Google plans a significant expansion of AirDrop interoperability to many more Android devices in 2026.
– This expanded compatibility is designed to work with the full Apple ecosystem, including iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.
The gap between Android and iOS continues to narrow, with Google preparing to significantly expand its AirDrop-compatible file-sharing feature to many more Android devices very soon. This move directly addresses one of the last major interoperability hurdles between the two dominant mobile platforms, promising a more seamless experience for users who frequently share files across different ecosystems.
Currently, the ability to initiate a file transfer to Apple devices using this protocol is exclusive to Google’s own Pixel 10 lineup. The company had hinted at broader availability following the feature’s initial launch, and that expansion now appears imminent. During a recent presentation, a key Google executive provided a clear timeline for the rollout.
Eric Kay, Google’s Vice President of Engineering for Android, confirmed the plans at an event in Taipei. He stated that after launching the interoperability feature last year, the focus for 2026 is a widespread expansion. Kay emphasized the considerable effort invested in ensuring robust compatibility not just with iPhones, but across Apple’s entire product range, including iPads and MacBooks.
With the underlying technology validated, Google is now actively collaborating with its manufacturing partners to integrate the capability into the wider Android ecosystem. This partnership-driven approach is crucial for bringing the feature to phones from Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, and other major brands. Users can expect official announcements regarding supported devices to arrive in the near future, marking a substantial step toward breaking down the artificial barriers that often frustrate consumers.
(Source: Ars Technica)
