2 min read
Last year, Google surprised Pixel users with a small but meaningful update. The company introduced a new version of Quick Share that could work with Apple’s AirDrop. However, the feature stayed limited to the Pixel 10 series, even though Google promised a wider rollout.
That situation is finally changing. Eric Kay, Vice President of Engineering at Google, has confirmed that Quick Share compatibility with Apple’s AirDrop will expand to more Android devices. This means the feature will no longer remain exclusive to the Pixel 10 lineup.
The move does not come out of nowhere. Earlier, Google upgraded the Quick Share Extension from a system app into a standalone APK. The app is now available on Google Play. This shift signaled a broader plan. By moving it to Google Play, Google removed the hardware limitation tied to Pixel phones. As a result, the path opened for wider Android support.
Eric Kay said Google tested the Quick Share and AirDrop interoperability on the Pixel 10 series first. The proof of concept worked. Users could share files directly with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. That early testing gave Google the confidence to expand the feature further.
According to the source, the wider rollout is expected later this year. However, Google still needs time. The company is working closely with hardware partners to ensure smooth performance across different Android handsets. Compatibility across brands often takes coordination, and Google wants the experience to feel seamless.
This update could reduce one of the biggest pain points between Android and Apple users. File sharing between the two ecosystems has always required third-party apps or cloud services. With direct Quick Share and AirDrop support, that process becomes much simpler.
Some Android brands have already moved in this direction. Oppo and Xiaomi introduced their own solutions through ColorOS and HyperOS. These updates offer cross-platform, AirDrop-like connectivity. While they are not official AirDrop integrations, they show clear demand for smoother file transfers between devices.
