Imagine a world where sharing files between Android and iPhone users is as seamless as chatting with a friend—no more compatibility headaches or awkward workarounds. Well, that future is here, and it’s sparking some serious conversations. Google has just announced that Android’s Quick Share now works with Apple’s AirDrop, starting with the Pixel 10 lineup. But here’s where it gets controversial: while this move is a huge win for cross-platform sharing, it’s raising questions about how much Apple was actually involved in the process. Let’s dive in.
In a surprising yet welcome update, Google has expanded Quick Share’s capabilities to include compatibility with AirDrop, allowing users to effortlessly transfer photos, videos, and files between Android and iOS devices. This feature is initially rolling out to the Pixel 10 series but is expected to reach more Android devices in the future. The key here? You no longer need to worry about what kind of phone your friend has—sharing is now as simple as tapping a button.
Here’s how it works: If an iPhone user enables AirDrop’s ‘Everyone for 10 minutes’ mode, their device becomes discoverable to nearby Android users. A Pixel user can then select the iPhone as a sharing option via Quick Share. Google has framed this as the first step toward truly seamless cross-platform sharing, and they’ve openly expressed interest in collaborating with Apple to enable ‘Contacts Only’ mode in the future. But this is the part most people miss: the current implementation relies on a temporary discoverability setting, which might not be ideal for everyone. What do you think—is this a step in the right direction, or does it fall short of a perfect solution?
Google emphasizes that this feature is built with security at its core. The connection is direct and peer-to-peer, meaning data isn’t routed through servers, and shared content isn’t logged. The company even had independent security experts test the safeguards to ensure your data stays protected. This update follows Google’s broader efforts to improve compatibility between operating systems, such as their work on RCS messaging and unknown tracker alerts.
Interestingly, Google’s blog post doesn’t mention any collaboration with Apple on this feature. TechCrunch reached out to Apple for comment but hasn’t received a response yet. This omission has left some wondering: Did Apple play a role in this integration, or did Google develop it independently? It’s a question that could spark heated debates among tech enthusiasts.
One more thing to note: This feature isn’t just one-way. iPhone users can also send files to Pixel devices, provided the Pixel is set to discoverable mode. To ensure you’re sharing with the right person, you can verify their device name on your screen—a small but important detail for peace of mind.
As we look ahead, this update feels like a significant step toward breaking down the walls between Android and iOS ecosystems. But it also raises broader questions about interoperability and collaboration between tech giants. Is this the future of cross-platform sharing, or just a temporary workaround? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
For more insights, check out the full details on Google’s blog post here. And if you’re attending the TechCrunch event in San Francisco from October 13-15, 2026, expect this topic to be a hot discussion point.
About the author: Aisha, a consumer news reporter at TechCrunch, brings years of experience covering telecom and tech innovations. With an honors bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto and a master’s in journalism from Western University, she’s your go-to source for breaking tech news. Reach out to her at aisha@techcrunch.com or via encrypted message at aisha_malik.01 on Signal. View her full bio here.