These Android phones can finally AirDrip files to iPhones, more devices to get the feature soon
Google has finally addressed one of the most frustrating pain-points for users living in mixed Android–iPhone environments. With a new update rolling out this week, select Pixel devices can now send files directly to iPhones using Quick Share, marking the first true AirDrop-style transfer capability between the two platforms.
A Long-Awaited Breakthrough for Cross-Platform Sharing
The update, which began rolling out on November 20, 2025, allows Pixel users to share photos, videos, and documents with nearby Apple devices instantly no cables, no cloud uploads, and no third-party apps needed. Google says the upgrade was driven by years of user feedback about slow and clunky cross-platform transfers in homes, schools, and offices where both ecosystems coexist.
Pixel 10 Series Leads the Way
As of now, the new Quick Share compatibility is exclusive to the latest Pixel lineup, including:
Pixel 10
Pixel 10 Pro
Pixel 10 Pro XL
Pixel 10 Fold
When any of these devices detect an iPhone, iPad, or Mac nearby, they appear directly in the Quick Share menu. For the Apple user, the only requirement is enabling AirDrop’s “Everyone for 10 minutes” visibility mode a temporary discovery setting Apple introduced back in 2023.
How the Transfer Works Behind the Scenes
Once an iPhone becomes discoverable, the devices first connect over Bluetooth for detection and then establish a direct Wi-Fi link for the actual transfer. This makes the process fast, secure, and completely local ensuring that files never pass through external servers. Small images move almost instantly, while larger video files depend on the speed and stability of nearby Wi-Fi communication.
Rollout Plans and What’s Next for Other Android Phones
While the feature is a massive step forward, it remains limited to Pixel devices for now. Google hasn’t provided a timeline for broader Android support but confirmed that a wider rollout is planned. On Apple’s side, no software changes were required since AirDrop already supports the 10-minute temporary visibility mode that Quick Share relies on.
Everyday Life Just Got Easier
For millions of users who juggle between Android and Apple devices, this update offers meaningful convenience. It enables:
Seamless sharing of vacation photos with an iPhone-using friend
Quick transfer of school assignments to a child’s iPad
Easy passing of design files to a coworker’s MacBook
Local transfers are faster, avoid mobile data usage, and offer enhanced privacy by keeping content off the cloud.
Some Limitations Still Remain
Despite the improvement, the process isn’t entirely frictionless. Apple users still need to manually activate “Everyone for 10 minutes,” which may slow down spontaneous sharing. And until Google expands support to more Android brands, this will remain a Pixel-first advantage.
A Small Change That Makes a Big Difference
The addition of iPhone compatibility to Quick Share is a milestone for cross-platform collaboration. For households and workplaces long divided by ecosystem barriers, this update finally brings a taste of true interoperability making Android-to-iPhone sharing smoother than ever before.
