Google is expanding its cross-platform file sharing feature to more Android devices, allowing them to transfer files to iPhone using the AirDrop protocol. AirDrop support for quick sharing will be available on the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold over the next few days.
Google announced Quick Share compatibility with AirDrop back in November, but the feature was initially limited to the latest Pixel 10 devices.
With AirDrop interoperability, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 can transfer files to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and it works just like Apple-to-Apple AirDrop transfers. No internet connection required.
In order to receive files from a Pixel smartphone, Apple users need to change the AirDrop visibility to “Everyone for 10 minutes”. If this setting is enabled, a file coming from an Android user looks just like an AirDrop file from an iPhone, with the same notification and acceptance option. The files are saved to the appropriate location, with the photo going to the Photos app or the document going to the Files app.
To receive files from an Apple user, a Pixel user must also turn on the Everyone setting for 10 minutes or enter receive mode on the Quick Share page. Files are stored in the Files app.
According to Google, Quick Share and AirDrop interoperability was designed with a multi-layered approach to security to ensure secure sharing regardless of platform. There is a secure sharing channel, built-in platform protections for Android and iOS, and a consent requirement before accepting a file.
Connections between devices are direct and peer-to-peer, so data is not routed through a server. For two-way file transfers, the Apple or Pixel device will display the name of the other person’s device for verification purposes.