A new feature under development could soon change how Android users share files, making the process faster and more intuitive with just a simple tap between devices.
Google is reportedly working on a tap-to-share feature for Android smartphones, similar to Apple’s AirDrop. The feature is expected to build on the existing Quick Share tool and allow users to transfer files by simply bringing two devices close together, removing the need for manual pairing or multiple steps.
The system may use NFC as a trigger to initiate the transfer, while the actual file sharing happens in the background. This is being developed as part of a broader upgrade to the Android ecosystem.
According to reports, early versions of this feature were spotted in Samsung’s One UI 8.5 as an experimental option. More recent builds of One UI 9 show a clearer version named “Tap to share,” indicating active progress.
The feature appears to have evolved from an earlier contact-sharing system similar to Apple’s NameDrop. References to an internal feature called “Gesture Exchange” were found in Google Play Services, which initially focused on contact sharing but now seems to support file transfers as well.
Further evidence has been seen in Android 17 beta and Canary builds, where a system-level service named “TapToShare” has been identified. This suggests that the feature could be rolled out across multiple Android devices and brands, not just limited to Samsung.
Reports also indicate that Google and Samsung may be working together to deliver a smoother and more unified file-sharing experience across Android devices.
Meanwhile, Samsung has already started rolling out an AirDrop-like feature, without the tap gesture, on its Galaxy devices, starting with the Galaxy S26 series in South Korea. The feature is integrated into Quick Share and is expected to expand to more devices and regions over time.
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