How Google Made AirDrop Work with Android Phones

How Google Made AirDrop Work with Android Phones

For years, Android users have envied Apple’s AirDrop — a smooth, peer-to-peer way to share files instantly between Apple devices. Now, Google is bridging that gap. With a new update, Android’s Quick Share can interoperate with Apple’s AirDrop — letting Android and Apple devices share files directly.

Here’s how Google pulled it off, and what it means.

What’s Actually Happening

1. Launch on Pixel 10 First

   • The feature is today rolling out to the Pixel 10 lineup.
   • Over time, Google says it’ll expand support to more Android devices.

2. Peer-to-Peer Connection

   • When you share a file, Quick Share uses a direct peer-to-peer connection — meaning data doesn’t pass through Google’s servers.
   • Google emphasizes that shared content isn’t logged and no extra data is exchanged.

3. Security by Design

   • Google used Rust, a memory-safe programming language, to build part of this feature, improving its security posture.
   • They also hired a third-party firm, NetSPI, to pentest the implementation. The firm reportedly found the interoperability “notably stronger” than many other cross-platform sharing systems.

4. How to Use It

   • On Android (Pixel 10), you open Quick Share, pick your file, and nearby Apple devices show up — but only if their AirDrop is set to “Everyone for 10 Minutes”.
   • On the other side, Apple users must temporarily make their device discoverable in AirDrop. Then, you can accept the file like a regular AirDrop transfer.
   • Receiving from Apple to Android works too: Android’s Quick Share visibility needs to be set to “everyone for 10 minutes” or “receive” mode.

Why Google Did It

• Regulatory Pressure: The move was probably motivated by EU regulations (Digital Markets Act), which push for more interoperability between platforms.
• User Convenience: Google says people have long asked for easier sharing between Android and iPhone.
• Security Assurance: By building a native, peer-to-peer solution and using strong programming safeguards, Google avoided having to rely on third-party (and potentially insecure) workarounds.

Limitations & Things to Know

• Limited Compatibility (for now): Only Pixel 10 devices support this feature initially.
• Temporary Discoverability Requirement: The AirDrop “Everyone for 10 Minutes” mode is required, which is less restrictive than “Contacts Only” — but might raise privacy concerns for some users.
• No Apple Partnership: Google did this entirely on its own — Apple wasn’t involved.
• Performance Unknown: While Google promises peer-to-peer speeds, real-world performance may vary depending on device, Wi-Fi, and other factors.

Why This Is a Big Deal

• Bridges a long-standing gap between iOS and Android ecosystems for file sharing.
• Strengthens cross-platform interoperability, especially in a world where people often use a mix of Android and iOS devices.
• Improves privacy and security, since file transfers stay local and don’t traverse the clouds.