Google plans to extend Quick Share's AirDrop compatibility to more Android devices in 2026, enabling secure file sharing between Android and Apple devices without Apple's involvement.
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Google has confirmed that Android's compatibility with Apple AirDrop will soon no longer be exclusive to Pixel smartphones. Following the high-profile launch of cross-platform file sharing via Quick Share on the Pixel 10 in late 2025, the company is preparing to extend this capability to many more Android devices in 2026.
Initially, Google managed to achieve interaction between Quick Share and AirDrop without Apple's involvement, effectively implementing its own solution for file sharing between Android and iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This was done by transforming Quick Share from a system component into a full-fledged app distributed through Google Play, which enabled compatibility at the protocol level.
Google emphasizes that security was a key concern. The data transfer channel was implemented using Rust, a language focused on memory safety, and underwent internal checks, threat modeling, penetration testing, and independent audits. All this is meant to ensure that file sharing between ecosystems is not only convenient but also secure.
Plans for expanding the feature were discussed by Eric Kay, Google's vice president of engineering solutions for Android, during a press briefing in Taipei. He stated that in 2026, support for AirDrop compatibility will appear on a significantly larger number of devices, and the company is already working with partners to implement the technology beyond the Pixel lineup.
Exactly which smartphones and tablets will be the first to receive this capability has not been specified yet. However, Google hinted that announcements are imminent, and the Android ecosystem will soon become much more friendly toward Apple devices.