Google to Expand AirDrop-Style File Sharing to More Android Phones in 2026

TAIPEI — Google will expand its cross-platform file-sharing capabilities to the broader Android ecosystem in 2026, allowing more devices to interact directly with Apple’s AirDrop.

Eric Kay, Android’s Vice President of Engineering, announced the expansion during a press conference in Taipei. The feature is integrated into Quick Share, a tool that enables users to send and receive files between Apple and Android hardware.

The interoperability first debuted on the Pixel 10 in 2025. Currently, users on both operating systems must manually set their visibility to "everyone for 10 minutes" to complete a transfer.

The move signals an end to Pixel exclusivity for the feature. Chipmaker Qualcomm previously confirmed that devices powered by its Snapdragon processors will soon support the capability as well.

Google said the expansion aims to simplify the process for users switching from an iPhone to an Android device. The two tech giants are also reportedly developing a new, streamlined data transfer system at the operating system level.

Google’s strategic move to bridge the divide between Android and Apple’s ecosystem signals a definitive retreat from the "walled garden" philosophy that has governed the tech industry for over a decade. For Google, the objective is a calculated reduction in switching costs. By dismantling the friction inherent in cross-platform file sharing—a primary pain point for iPhone users considering a migration—Google is aggressively positioning Android hardware as a more viable alternative to the iOS stronghold.

More notable, however, is Apple’s uncharacteristic lack of resistance. Historically, proprietary protocols such as AirDrop and iMessage have functioned as central pillars of Apple’s "lock-in" strategy. This shift toward interoperability likely reflects a broader regulatory calculus in Cupertino. As global antitrust pressure intensifies—specifically under the mandates of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA)—Apple appears to be opting for strategic concessions to preempt more heavy-handed regulatory intervention or forced structural changes.

The involvement of Qualcomm further indicates that this is not a localized Google initiative, but rather an industry-wide push to establish a new baseline for the Android ecosystem. By standardizing these capabilities, the industry is effectively resetting consumer expectations. This transition marks the beginning of a post-silo era, where cross-platform compatibility is no longer a premium feature, but a regulatory and competitive necessity.

For many Vietnamese-American families, where households are often split between iPhone and Android users, this change will finally simplify daily life. Sharing high-quality photos, videos, and documents across generations—from the grandkids to parents working in the nail salon industry—is about to become a seamless experience. Whether you’re sending snapshots from a family dinner in Little Saigon or sharing important documents regarding an F2B or EB-5 petition, the frustrating technical barriers that once hindered cross-platform communication are finally a thing of the past.