Google Set to Expand Two-Way AirDrop Support to Wider Android Ecosystem by 2026

Google is set to expand two-way AirDrop support through its Quick Share feature to a broader range of Android devices beginning in 2026. This expansion follows the initial launch of the functionality on the Pixel 10 series in November 2025. The company also confirmed ongoing initiatives to simplify data transfers for users migrating from iOS to Android.

This strategic move aims to bring seamless file and photo sharing between Android and Apple devices, marking a significant advancement in cross-platform interoperability.

Quick Share and AirDrop: Current Implementation

The interoperability between Quick Share and Apple's AirDrop was initially introduced exclusively on Google's Pixel 10 series in November 2025. This feature allows Pixel 10 users to send and receive files and photos directly with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.

To facilitate transfers, Android devices must have Quick Share visibility set to "everyone for 10 minutes" and be in "receive" mode. Similarly, Apple devices require AirDrop visibility to be set to "anyone for 10 minutes." Google developed this functionality independently and has confirmed its operational status since its launch.

Planned Expansion Across Android

Eric Kay, Google's Vice President of Engineering for the Android team, stated at a press briefing that the company plans to expand this AirDrop interoperability to more Android devices in 2026. Google is actively collaborating with partners to integrate this functionality across the wider Android ecosystem, with further announcements expected.

Reports based on new Android Canary builds indicate that system files enabling AirDrop support have been found on Pixel 9 devices, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. These files were incorporated into Canary build ZP11.251212.007, suggesting active development for the Pixel 9 series. Older Pixel models and the Pixel 9a are not currently indicated for this update.

Additionally, Qualcomm confirmed in November that devices featuring its Snapdragon chips would soon support Quick Share transfers to iPhones, with other partners like Nothing also teasing support.

Streamlining iOS-to-Android Data Migration

Alongside the AirDrop expansion, Google is working on initiatives to facilitate data transfers for users switching from iOS to Android. These efforts aim to streamline the process of moving existing data and prevent issues such as incomplete transfers or lost messages.

Both Google and Apple have been observed collaborating on a new, simplified, operating system-level data transfer system. Collaborative testing of these improvements was noted in Android Canary 2512 for Pixel devices in December. Apple is reportedly developing a user-friendly method for transferring data from iPhones to other devices since early 2024.