Android’s Quick Share Now Works With iPhone’s AirDrop, Starting With the Pixel 10 Series

In a move few expected but many will appreciate, Google has updated Quick Share to make it compatible with Apple's AirDrop, making it significantly easier to transfer photos and files between Android and iPhone users. The new capability is rolling out first to the Pixel 10 lineup, and it works with iPhone, iPad, and macOS devices. Google says more Android phones will receive the feature over time.

According to Google, the update allows users to share images, videos, and files quickly without worrying about the other person's device.

Right now, Quick Share works with AirDrop only when the iPhone user switches their AirDrop settings to the "Everyone for 10 minutes" mode. Once enabled, the Pixel user will see the iPhone appear as a shareable device in Quick Share.

Google calls this setup a first step toward seamless cross-platform file sharing. "We welcome the opportunity to work with Apple to enable 'Contacts Only' mode in the future," the company noted in a blog post.

To avoid sending files to the wrong device, users can confirm the device name displayed on their screen.

The update supports two-way communication, meaning iPhone users can also send files to Pixel 10 phones. However, the Pixel must be set to discoverable mode to receive transfers.

Google emphasised that the feature is not a workaround — the connection is direct and peer-to-peer. No data is routed through external servers, and shared content is never logged. The company says the system was built with security in mind and tested by independent experts.

Google added that this improvement is part of broader efforts to increase compatibility between Android and iOS, following earlier work on RCS messaging and unknown tracker alerts.

The company did not provide details about whether or how Apple collaborated on this feature. TechCrunch has reached out to Apple and will update if the company responds.