Google Brings AirDrop to Android, Starting with Pixel 10

Google has announced a major upgrade to Android’s Quick Share, allowing it to work with Apple’s AirDrop, starting with the Pixel 10 series. The feature enables Android users to share files with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks without relying on apps like WhatsApp or cloud links.

The new functionality is designed to make cross-platform file sharing simple, fast, and secure. Google said transfers use peer-to-peer connections via Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth, keeping files encrypted and off external servers. Users must manually approve each incoming file, and AirDrop visibility must be set to “Everyone for 10 minutes” for the Pixel to detect the iPhone.

For Nigerians, where households and workplaces often mix Android and iOS devices, this upgrade is particularly useful. It allows photos, videos, and documents to be shared instantly, preserving their quality without the compression common on social media apps. Professionals, students, and families will benefit from smoother, faster file sharing.

To use the feature, a Pixel 10 user selects a file and chooses Quick Share, while the iPhone opens AirDrop settings. Once the devices detect each other, the transfer begins immediately using encrypted peer-to-peer technology.

Google highlighted that the feature prioritizes privacy and security. The core system was built using Rust to reduce vulnerabilities, and the update has been audited by a third-party cybersecurity firm.

Currently, only Pixel 10 devices support the upgrade. Google has not confirmed when it will expand to older Pixels or other Android devices. Despite this, the move signals a step toward greater Android-iOS interoperability, which could reshape the way users worldwide share files.