The long-standing struggle of sending files between Android and iPhone devices finally feels like it is easing, at least for owners of the new Pixel 10 family of smartphones. Google announced that its file-sharing service, Quick Share, now works directly with Apple’s AirDrop feature. This means people can send photos, videos, and documents across the two platforms without relying on clunky third-party apps or cloud services that sometimes felt more like workarounds than solutions. It is a meaningful shift in how these two ecosystems interact, and it rolls out first on the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Fold. Google plans to expand the capability to more Android devices later on.
Key Takeaways
• Google’s Quick Share now works with Apple’s AirDrop, enabling two-way file sharing between the new Pixel 10 phones and iPhones.
• This feature works through a direct peer-to-peer connection, meaning files do not pass through external servers, ensuring privacy.
• The receiving Apple device must have its AirDrop visibility set to “Everyone for 10 Minutes” for the transfer to begin.
• Google developed this feature independently without official collaboration from Apple.
• The functionality is currently exclusive to the Pixel 10 series but will expand to more Android devices later.
It probably comes as a relief for many, especially in households or offices where Android and Apple devices have been side by side for years but never quite spoke the same language when it came to quick file transfers. Apple’s AirDrop handled instant local transfers within its own ecosystem, while Android users depended on Quick Share, previously known as Nearby Share. Yet the gap between these two worlds always remained. Until now, it seems.
How the Cross-Platform Sharing Works
The process is intentionally simple, which I think most people will appreciate. A Pixel 10 user selects a file, taps the Quick Share icon, and then chooses the nearby Apple device. On the iPhone side, the prompt looks identical to any standard AirDrop request, so nothing feels unfamiliar or experimental. It is as if the two systems finally agreed to meet halfway.
One important detail remains. For a transfer to go through, the Apple device must be set to receive from “Everyone for 10 Minutes.” Apple added this setting in a previous iOS update, partly to reduce unwanted visibility. Google mentioned that this is necessary for now, and they seem open to eventually supporting the more limited “Contacts Only” mode if Apple is willing to collaborate.
Interestingly, the connection works both ways. Users on iPhone, iPad, or Mac can also start an AirDrop transfer to a Pixel 10, as long as the Pixel is set to be discoverable through Quick Share. It feels almost surprising to see this two-way flow after years of closed-off systems.
Security and The Future Outlook
Google emphasized that security was a clear priority. These transfers happen locally and use a secure peer-to-peer connection over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The data never travels through an external server, which should reassure people who are cautious about privacy. Google even built the core communication layer using the memory-safe Rust programming language, known for its security benefits. Independent security experts tested the system as well, which adds another layer of confidence.
This development is a notable milestone for Google because it essentially breaks through a barrier that had been in place for more than a decade. Google built the compatibility layer without Apple’s involvement, relying on extensive reverse engineering to understand what was needed.
Related FAQs
Q. Which devices support cross-platform file sharing right now?
A. The feature is available immediately on the Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10-Fold. It works when sharing files with any AirDrop-capable Apple device like an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Q. Does the iPhone user need to install an extra app?
A. No, the iPhone user does not need to install any new app. The transfer uses the built-in AirDrop function. However, the iPhone user must change their AirDrop setting to “Everyone for 10 Minutes” to receive files from a Pixel 10 phone.
Q. Does the file transfer use the internet or mobile data?
A. No. The file transfer is direct and peer-to-peer, using a local wireless connection (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). Your files do not go through the internet, a server, or use up your mobile data plan.
Q. Will this feature come to older Google Pixel phones or Samsung phones?
A. Google has confirmed plans to expand this compatibility to other Android devices beyond the Pixel 10 family. No specific timeline for older Pixel models or other manufacturers like Samsung has been announced yet.
Q. Can I send files from my iPhone to a Pixel 10?
A. Yes, the cross-platform sharing is two-way. An iPhone user can send files to a Pixel 10 phone using AirDrop, provided the Pixel 10 is discoverable in its Quick Share settings.
