"This cross-platform integration marks a significant step toward breaking down the long-standing barriers between Android and iOS ecosystems."
Quick Share Now Connects Android and Apple Devices
Google and Samsung have announced a series of updates expanding the Quick Share file-sharing feature, including interoperability with Apple's AirDrop and new tools for transferring data between iOS and Android devices. The rollout is occurring in phases across multiple device manufacturers and software versions.
Cross-Platform Quick Share and AirDrop Expansion
Google initially introduced interoperability between Quick Share and Apple's AirDrop on the Pixel 10 series in November 2025. This feature allows compatible Android devices to send and receive files with Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Supported Devices
Google Pixel Lineup
- Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel 10a
- Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 8a
- The Pixel 9a does not support the feature for file transfers with Apple devices.
Samsung Galaxy Lineup
- Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra
- Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra
- Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7
- Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6
- Galaxy Z TriFold
Other Manufacturers
- Oppo Find X8 series, Find X9 series, Find N6
- OnePlus 15
- Honor Magic V6, Magic 8 Pro
- Vivo X300 Ultra
- Xiaomi devices
Initially exclusively supported on Pixel 10 devices, the feature has been expanded to the Pixel 9 series. Samsung began rolling out AirDrop support for the Galaxy S26 series on March 23, starting in Korea, with other regions including North America, Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan following. Additional Galaxy devices are expected to receive support at a later date.
Google's Vice President of Engineering, Eric Kay, stated during a press briefing in Taipei that the company is working with partners to expand the feature to more devices in 2026. Google announced that devices from Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Honor will receive the feature in 2026.
Functionality Requirements
For Android-to-Apple transfers, the receiving Apple device must have its AirDrop visibility set to "anyone" or "everyone for 10 minutes." The Android device must have its Quick Share visibility set to "everyone for 10 minutes" and be in receive mode. On Samsung Galaxy devices, the feature is not enabled by default; users must activate it in Settings under "Connected devices > Quick Share > Share with Apple devices."
QR Code-Based Sharing
For Android devices without native AirDrop support, Google has introduced a QR code-based sharing method. The user generates a QR code for the file, which the recipient scans with an iPhone's Camera app. The file is uploaded via the cloud with end-to-end encryption and remains available for download for 24 hours on Google servers. This method does not use personal Google Drive storage and requires an internet connection on both devices. The rollout began on May 12 and is expected to reach all Android phones within one month.
Third-Party App Integration
Google has integrated Quick Share into third-party Android applications, beginning with WhatsApp. This allows users to share files via Quick Share within the app. The feature requires Google Mobile Services for interoperability with native Quick Share on Android, ChromeOS, and Windows. Google plans to add this functionality to more applications in the coming months.
One UI 8.5 Beta Program
Samsung has expanded the One UI 8.5 beta testing program to include additional devices beyond the Galaxy S24 series and Galaxy Tab S11, which received the beta in March.
New Devices in the Beta Program
- Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5: Currently available in Korea and the United States
- Galaxy A36 5G: Exclusive to India
- Other markets, including the United Kingdom, are expected to receive builds soon
Software Features
- Limited AirDrop support via Quick Share for file transfers between Galaxy devices and Apple hardware. Full compatibility is currently exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series; Samsung states older models will gain functionality as the beta stabilizes.
- Updated "New Bixby" with improved natural language processing
- Galaxy AI features originally from the S26 series, including enhanced Audio Eraser tools and "Now Nudge" contextual alerts
- Refreshed design elements
- Advanced security and privacy solutions
Beta Participation
Users can sign up via the Samsung Members app on a first-come, first-served basis. A firmware update is delivered after successful enrollment. The first stable version of One UI 8.5 is expected to launch for the Galaxy S25 series before the end of April.
iOS-to-Android Data Migration Tools
Google and Apple have collaborated on tools to facilitate data transfer from iPhones to Android devices, developed in accordance with Europe's Digital Markets Act. Apple implemented the feature in iOS 26.3.
The wireless migration tool allows transfer of the following data from an iPhone to an Android device:
- Passwords
- Photos
- Messages
- Applications
- Contacts
- eSIMs
- Home screen layout
Google stated the enhanced migration will first be available on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, rolling out in 2026. Google also indicated it has developed similar tools for users switching from Android to iPhone. The feature entered testing in December 2025.