Android’s AirDrop Rival Is Coming to More Phones
▼ Summary
– Qualcomm is bringing Pixel 10-style AirDrop support to Snapdragon-powered Android phones in the near future.
– This will significantly expand the number of Android devices capable of cross-platform file transfers with iPhones using Quick Share-AirDrop.
– Google recently enabled true AirDrop support on Pixel 10 series by adding support for Apple’s AWDL protocol directly into Quick Share.
– Nothing has also committed to bringing this cross-platform sharing functionality to its phones, joining Google as early adopters.
– The EU’s Digital Markets Act did not force Apple to abandon its AWDL protocol, as the technology still coexists with mandated Wi-Fi Aware implementation.
A major expansion is on the horizon for Android’s file-sharing capabilities, as Qualcomm confirms plans to bring Pixel 10-style AirDrop support to a wide range of Snapdragon-powered phones. This development promises to dramatically increase the number of Android devices capable of seamless cross-platform file transfers with iPhones through the Quick Share feature.
Following Google’s unexpected activation of true AirDrop functionality for its Pixel 10 lineup, many Android users wondered when their devices would gain similar capabilities. Qualcomm’s recent statement provides a promising answer. The chip manufacturing giant announced its intention to enable this feature on Snapdragon devices in what it describes as “the near future,” though specific implementation details or potential collaboration with Google remain undisclosed.
In a social media response to Google’s initial announcement, Qualcomm expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming functionality. The company’s statement did not clarify which specific Snapdragon models or phone brands would receive support, nor did it outline the technical approach for achieving interoperability with Apple’s ecosystem. Google had previously indicated its commitment to working with industry partners to create secure and seamless cross-platform communication experiences.
The movement toward universal file sharing isn’t limited to chip manufacturers. Nothing, the innovative technology company, has also declared its intention to implement this functionality across its phone lineup. This positions Nothing among the first manufacturers beyond Google to publicly commit to supporting cross-platform sharing, signaling broader industry adoption.
Contrary to popular speculation, this breakthrough in cross-platform compatibility didn’t require Apple to abandon its proprietary AWDL protocol that forms the foundation of AirDrop. While many assumed European Union regulations forced Apple to replace its technology, examination of the Digital Markets Act reveals no such requirement. The regulations simply mandate that Apple implement Wi-Fi Aware for basic interoperability, which the company has already accomplished.
The more surprising technical achievement involves Google’s approach to the compatibility challenge. Rather than waiting for Apple to modify its systems, Google engineers integrated support for Apple’s AWDL protocol directly into the Quick Share platform. This technical workaround represents a significant engineering accomplishment that enables communication between Android devices and iPhones without requiring changes to Apple’s existing infrastructure.
With Qualcomm’s commitment to expanding this functionality, the exclusive nature of Pixel 10’s AirDrop compatibility appears temporary. Android users with Snapdragon-powered devices can reasonably expect to gain similar file-sharing capabilities in the coming months, though the specific timeline and implementation method await further clarification from the chip manufacturer.
(Source: Android Authority)
