No, you’re not dreaming. Google actually is making one of many iPhone’s most prized options out there on Android, and it can’t come quickly sufficient.
AirDrop, a mainstay of iOS since 2013, permits pictures, movies and different recordsdata to be securely and seamlessly shared between the iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Android has its personal equal within the type of Fast Share however traditionally, this has solely labored with different gadgets working Google’s OS.
Nevertheless, in a shock announcement, Google has confirmed that will probably be “introducing a method for Fast Share to work with AirDrop”. In different phrases, this seamless file sharing will embrace each Android and iOS gadgets, reasonably than being platform-exclusive.
The performance will initially be restricted to the Pixel 10 sequence, however Google has confirmed that will probably be “increasing it to extra Android gadgets”. Nevertheless, it’s unclear how lengthy this would possibly take, or if all Android 16 gadgets will finally be suitable, simply as they’re with Fast Share.
To obtain recordsdata on an iPhone, iPad or Mac, simply make certain you’ve enabled the AirDrop setting labelled “Everybody for 10 Minutes”. On Android, select “Everybody” or “Everybody for 10 minutes”. You’ll additionally want Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be switched on for each the sending and receiving gadgets.
A transfer made in Brussels
Whereas it’d look as if Google and Apple have put their heads collectively and embraced collaboration, that couldn’t be farther from the reality.
Alex Moriconi, a Communications Supervisor on the firm, confirmed to The Verge that Apple was not concerned within the course of in any way. Nevertheless, Google is adamant that the characteristic isn’t a workaround, explaining that “the connection is direct and peer-to-peer”, avoiding any of the potential safety dangers of being routed through a third-party server.
So, why is that this characteristic solely changing into out there now? As ArsTechnica stories, it’s a direct results of new European Union (EU) regulation.
A brand new specification throughout the Digital Markets Act (DMA) was launched earlier this yr, requiring Apple to ditch the proprietary protocol it makes use of for AirDrop in favour of a brand new normal, starting with iOS 26.
Foundry
Following the software program’s launch in September, anybody might technically create a wi-fi sharing instrument that was suitable with AirDrop. However, because the maker of Android and with its personal model already well-established, Google was finest positioned to take action.
So, there you could have it. It’s taken 12 years, however AirDrop will lastly let you ship and obtain recordsdata from Android gadgets. Assuming it really works as meant, each Google and the EU deserve plenty of credit score.
Seeking to purchase a suitable Google Pixel telephone? Learn our full critiques of the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Professional, Pixel 10 Professional XL and Pixel 10 Professional Fold.