Google just announced that Android phones can now wirelessly share files with iPhones. And here’s the best part — There’s no third-party app involved. The Quick Share feature on Android will allow seamless file sharing with iPhones, which act as the recipient using the AirDrop system.
For now, this feature is exclusive to Google’s Pixel 10 series smartphones. Google won’t be the first brand to pull off such a stunt. The OnePlus 15 also implemented a similar tap-to-share file system in OxygenOS 16, and it works similarly to the NameDrop feature on iPhones.
Sharing moments shouldn’t depend on the phone you have. Starting today with the Pixel 10 family, Quick Share now works with AirDrop, making secure file transfers between Android phones and iPhones more seamless. This builds on our commitment to cross-OS compatibility to bridge… pic.twitter.com/iNdZfjCYQ7
In OnePlus’ case, however, the wireless bridge requires the O+ Connect app on the iPhone to work. What Google has implemented doesn’t involve any third-party apps. You just tap the Quick Share option from the share sheet, and make sure AirDrop is enabled on the recipient’s iPhone.
When you want to exchange files between two nearby Android phones, Quick Share is the most convenient and native tool for sharing the material. Between iPhones, AirDrop has remained the go-to solution for years. Google is finally letting Quick Share create a network bridge with AirDrop.
“This feature does not use a workaround; the connection is direct and peer-to-peer, meaning your data is never routed through a server, shared content is never logged, and no extra data is shared,” assures the company.
Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google, has confirmed that this feature will soon expand to more devices, too. As far as the security aspect goes, Google says it has conducted red team penetration tests through independent security experts to ensure that the file transfer lane is safe.
Technology should help bring folks together. Really excited that sharing files between Android and iOS just got easier – starting with Pixel 10 Quick Share now works with AirDrop – so you don’t have to worry about what kind of phone your friends have. Coming soon to many more… pic.twitter.com/mqssB0il4i
“Sharing across platforms works just like you’re used to: a file requires your approval before being received, so you’re in control of what you accept,” says Google. And in case you’re wondering, this is a two-way file sharing system, which means iPhones can also knock at the doors of the Pixel 10 and send files.
“The core of this feature involves receiving and parsing data sent over a wireless protocol from another device,” adds the company. Notably, the new file sharing system is limited to AirDrop’s “Everyone for 10 minutes” mode. Google has built the whole system using Rust as the security foundation. Using Rust ensures that memory-related bugs and attacks are thwarted off.
Google Play is borrowing one of the Nintendo Switch’s most useful little tricks. A new Sidekick tool called Playbacks captures a short clip after something interesting has already happened, sparing players from running a screen recorder throughout an entire game.
Playbacks is part of Google Play Store v53.8 and keeps saved clips on the phone. Google first announced it earlier this month, but the new Play Store update marks its arrival for players. Anyone who has watched a perfect win vanish because the record button came too late already understands the appeal.
Samsung’s scandal over its Game Optimizing Service, or GOS, has returned with a bill attached. South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission has tentatively fined the company 20.1 billion won, or about $15.1 million, over gaming claims made for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S22, and Tab S8.
The regulator says Samsung promoted the devices as gaming powerhouses without disclosing that GOS placed preset CPU and GPU limits on certain demanding games. Samsung disputes that conclusion, calling GOS a legitimate way to manage heat.
Apple's next cheaper iPhone could get a brand-new processor while keeping its most stubborn display compromise. Digital Chat Station tips the iPhone 18e for a 2027 release with a 2nm A20 chip and a 6.12-inch OLED screen still limited to 60Hz.
The rumored camera setup includes a single 48MP rear camera and a possible 24MP selfie camera. There's new hardware to consider, but buyers hoping Apple would extend that upgrade generosity to smoother scrolling could be disappointed.