After months of limited availability, Google is preparing to take its cross-platform file sharing feature beyond a single smartphone lineup and into the wider Android ecosystem.
Google has confirmed that its AirDrop-like interoperability feature will roll out to many more Android devices in 2026. The move will end the feature’s restriction to Pixel 10 phones and allow more users to share files easily across Android and Apple devices.
Eric Kay, Google’s Vice President of Engineering for Android, shared the update during a press briefing in Taipei. “Last year, we launched AirDrop interoperability. In 2026, we’re going to be expanding it to a lot more devices,” he said, while also hinting that “exciting announcements” will be made soon.
Since November 2025, Pixel 10 users have been able to send files directly to iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks using Quick Share. However, no other Android devices supported the feature, making it appear exclusive rather than platform-wide.
That is now set to change. According to a tech publication, Google has been working closely with manufacturing partners to extend this functionality across the Android ecosystem. While specific brands have not been officially named, Nothing and Qualcomm have earlier hinted at support for their devices.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips power a large number of flagship Android phones, including Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and OnePlus 15. This means the upcoming rollout could reach a significant share of Android users worldwide.
The expansion has been made possible without Apple’s direct involvement. EU regulations require Apple to support the Wi-Fi Aware standard in AirDrop, which has allowed Google to enable compatibility. To receive files, iPhone users need to set AirDrop to “Everyone for 10 Minutes”.
Kay also indicated that Google is developing improved data migration tools for users switching from iPhone to Android. This signals a stronger push by Google to reduce dependence on closed ecosystems and make cross-platform use simpler.
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