Google has confirmed that its AirDrop‑style Quick Share feature will expand beyond the Pixel 10 series to more Android phones in 2026, with announcements expected “very soon.”
The move marks a major step in bridging the gap between Android and Apple ecosystems, enabling seamless file transfers across platforms.
This news was revealed during a briefing in Taipei this week, where Eric Kay, VP of Engineering for Android, explained that the company had “proven” the interoperability between Quick Share and Apple’s AirDrop on Pixel 10 devices and is now working with partners to roll it out more widely. The expansion will allow Android users outside Google’s flagship line to share files directly with iPhones, iPads and MacBooks, eliminating the need for clunky workarounds like email attachments or cloud links.
The feature first launched in November 2025 on the Pixel 10 series, offering secure peer‑to‑peer transfers between Android and Apple devices.
Built using memory‑safe Rust and assessed by security firm NetSPI, Quick Share was praised for stronger safeguards compared to other implementations. Until now, however, it has remained exclusive to Google’s latest phones, leaving millions of Android users waiting for broader support.
Importantly, Kay’s comments suggest announcements could align with upcoming industry events. Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked is tipped for 25 February, where the Galaxy S26 series will debut, while Mobile World Congress in Barcelona follows shortly after.
Either stage could provide Google with the perfect platform to confirm wider availability. Although speculation remains, the timing indicates that Android fans may not have long to wait.
The expansion of Quick Share means Android phones from brands like Samsung, OnePlus and Xiaomi could soon offer native AirDrop compatibility. That would make sharing holiday photos, work documents or videos with iPhone‑using friends as simple as tapping a button. It also strengthens Android’s appeal in a market where Apple’s ecosystem lock‑in has long been a barrier to switching.
