Google has announced a major update: its Android QuickShare feature can now work with Apple’s AirDrop. The rollout begins exclusively on the Pixel 10 series, offering seamless file sharing between Pixel phones and iPhone, iPad, or Mac devices. This marks one of the most significant steps toward cross-platform compatibility.
This rollout introduces a seamless way for Pixel users to exchange files with iPhones and other Apple devices. It eliminates past reliance on third-party apps and manual syncing. This new level of convenience sets up a compelling shift that many users have been waiting for.
To use this Android-Apple file transfer feature, the iOS or macOS user needs to set AirDrop visibility to “Everyone for 10 Minutes”. After that, the Pixel 10 user can open the content, tap Share and then QuickShare, and select the Apple device from the nearby list. On the Apple device, the familiar “Tap to Accept” prompt appears, just like a regular AirDrop request.
To receive a file from an Apple device, the Pixel 10 user must similarly enable QuickShare visibility to “Everyone for 10 Minutes” or switch to QuickShare’s “Receive” mode. Shared content then lands in the Pixel’s Files app.
Google emphasizes that security was a top priority while building this interoperability. The company says its implementation was thoroughly examined by its own security team and by NetSPI, a third-party penetration testing firm.
The underlying connection uses multiple layers of protection. Google also built it using Rust, a memory-safe programming language, to reduce risk. Because the transfer is peer-to-peer, the data never travels via Google’s servers or any other intermediary.
This move is a big win for users who handle both Android and Apple devices. Earlier, sharing between iPhones and Pixel phones mostly depended on third-party apps or workarounds. Presently, Google's first-party solution not only simplifies the process but also provides a more integrated experience.
Moreover, it emphasizes Google's efforts to increase platform interoperability. The tech giant’s recent actions, including support for RCS messaging and providing cross-platform safety tools, hint at a wider strategy to make communication more seamless across different operating systems.
Also Read: How to Transfer Data from Android to iPhone
Unlike past updates or external applications, the AirDrop QuickShare compatibility on Pixel 10 is a deeply integrated, native feature. This will also help in more consistency and fewer dependencies. At the same time, the limitation to the Pixel 10 lineup may disappoint users of other Android smartphones, but Google is promising that support for more devices will be rolled out shortly.
Meanwhile, Apple’s reaction remains unclear. However, this bold move by Google indicates a new trend: breaking the barriers between Android and iOS. If it becomes a standard practice, this could reshape the way users share digital content across various ecosystems. It can also make cross-platform file transfers as simple as they are within one platform.