Android Quick Share Now Works With Apple AirDrop Starting on Pixel 10

Google has just made file sharing between Android and Apple devices easier than ever, starting with the Pixel 10. Android’s Quick Share can now exchange files directly with Apple’s AirDrop on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, creating a smooth, cross-platform sharing experience for photos, videos, and other files.

Apple devices now appear in the full-screen Quick Share interface when AirDrop is set to “Everyone for 10 minutes.” Android users can simply tap the Apple device to send the file-sharing request. Once the iPhone user accepts the request, the file transfers instantly. The same applies in reverse. Android phones become visible as share targets on Apple devices.

Peer-to-Peer Transfers Without Servers

Google has made it very clear that this is a direct, peer-to-peer connection. No servers. No logging. No extra data shared. The link isn’t a workaround either. The company further stresses that this interoperability upgrade is its own implementation and has no formal partnership with Apple. However, it still wants to collaborate in the future to enable a “Contacts Only” sharing mode for cross-platform transfers.

Google adds that the interoperability follows a multi-layered security model designed to keep transfers protected end-to-end across both platforms.

Google says the goal is simple:

Make communication between platforms more seamless so users can share with anyone, without thinking about the device they own.

How Pixel 10 Users Can Enable the Feature

Pixel 10 users can enable the feature by heading to Settings → tapping their name at the top for Google services → All services → Privacy & security → System service. Update the Quick Share Extension and reboot the phone.

Will Apple Block Google’s New Cross-Platform Sharing?

Google may have informed Apple about its plans, but Apple’s complete absence from the announcement indicates little interest in collaborating on a joint solution. The situation echoes the Beeper incident, where the startup reverse-engineered iMessage to bring blue-bubble messaging to Android before Apple ultimately shut it down.

Google’s position is very different. It equals Apple in size and visibility, and the public launch of this Quick Share–AirDrop interoperability makes it harder for Apple to challenge. Rising regulatory scrutiny also creates pressure on Apple to avoid blocking cross-platform features that benefit consumers.

For now, the feature is live and working, marking a rare moment of cross-platform convenience between two rival ecosystems.

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