AirDrop has been one of the best features exclusive to Apple devices for years. However, Google announced today that the Pixel 10 devices—the Pixel 10, the 10 Pro, and the 10 Pro Fold—will gain the ability to send and receive files directly with iPhones, iPads, or macOS devices.
Android has had its own version of AirDrop called Quick Share (or Nearby Share), but until today, people with Android devices were restricted to sharing files with other Android phones, Windows PCs, or Chromebooks. Unlike other ways you can share photos and files, AirDrop and Quick Share are peer-to-peer, which means that you can use them even if you don’t have Wi-Fi or cell service. It also means that whatever you’re sharing doesn’t have to go through Google or Apple’s servers before it reaches its destination—potentially a privacy plus.
As it stands, you can only send or receive content between iPhones and Android devices if you set your visibility to “Everyone for 10 minutes.” That probably isn’t a problem, but there is always the slight chance that a third party could try to send you something you don’t want, since that setting makes your device visible to everyone around you.
Currently, whatever compatibility magic is at work behind the scenes is limited to Google’s Pixel 10 devices, which are the company’s premium offerings. However, introducing this kind of compatibility at all is a solid indication that the feature will gradually appear in an increasing number of Android devices going forward.
Support for AirDrop isn’t an isolated move towards greater compatibility between Androids and iPhones, either. In 2024, iPhones finally gained support for RCS, a secure, encrypted replacement for SMS and MMS that had been in use on Android devices for years. That was an important step, since SMS is notoriously insecure.
Why RCS Texting Is a Big Deal for Both iPhone and Android
RCS texting has arrived on the iPhone. Now iPhone and Android users can both stare at a typing bubble wondering when the next text will come.
Android devices also gained the ability to detect Apple’s Airtags, a preventative measure designed to protect people against an Airtag being used to secretly track their movements.
The recent shifts towards greater compatibility between Android devices and iPhones might create some cracks in the walled gardens, but I’m glad to see an increased willingness to compromise on areas like this that are important to consumer convenience and security.
Now, if only I were allowed to join the Blue bubble party with my Pixel phone.
Source: Google