Cross-Platform File Sharing Finally Arrives for Android and iPhone Users

For years, Android and iPhone users have struggled with the friction of sharing files across platforms. That era is ending. Qualcomm has announced that Snapdragon-powered devices will soon support direct wireless file transfers to iPhones using Google’s upgraded Quick Share system, eliminating the need for email, cloud uploads, or third-party applications.

Google recently introduced the ability for Quick Share to work seamlessly with Apple’s AirDrop, beginning with the Pixel 10 lineup. This groundbreaking integration marks a significant milestone in making file transfer intuitive regardless of which ecosystem users belong to.

How the Technology Works

The mechanics behind this cross-platform compatibility are elegantly simple yet technologically sophisticated. When a Snapdragon phone scans for nearby iPhones set to AirDrop visibility “Everyone” or “Everyone for 10 minutes,” it creates a direct, encrypted, peer-to-peer connection. No intermediaries, no compression, no cloud storage involved.

Google has emphasized that transfers are entirely local, keeping user data private throughout the process. Unlike some previous cross-platform solutions that required workarounds or separate applications, this feature works natively with a direct peer-to-peer connection, meaning data is never routed through a server, shared content is never logged, and no extra data is shared.

Which Devices Will Get This Feature

Currently, the functionality is available on the Google Pixel 10 series, but the rollout is expanding rapidly. AirDrop compatibility via Quick Share will roll out to Snapdragon-powered devices, likely beginning with the newest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 smartphones such as the OnePlus 15, Realme GT 8 Pro, the upcoming iQOO 15 and others. The update is expected to expand to phones using previous-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite platforms and other Snapdragon 8-series devices.

Additionally, Google is expected to extend support to older Pixel smartphones, potentially starting with last year’s Pixel 9 lineup.

Bidirectional File Transfer

One of the most impressive aspects of this integration is its bidirectional nature. The feature works in both directions, allowing Android and Apple users to send files to each other seamlessly. When transferring files from an iPhone or Mac to a Pixel device, the Pixel shows up in the AirDrop sharing panel. Conversely, when sharing from Android, Apple devices appear in the Quick Share menu.

How to Share Files Between Platforms

From Android to iPhone:

• Ensure your Quick Share extension is updated
• On your iPhone, iPad or Mac, open Settings and search for AirDrop
• Set AirDrop visibility to “Everyone for 10 Minutes”
• On your Android device, select the file you want to send and tap Share
• Choose Quick Share from the sharing menu
• Select the Apple device from the list of visible devices
• Accept the AirDrop prompt on your Apple device

From iPhone to Android:

• On your Pixel device, open Settings and search for Quick Share
• Set visibility to “Everyone for 10 Minutes”
• On your Apple device, choose the file and tap Share
• Select AirDrop from the sharing menu
• Choose the Android phone from the device list
• Accept the Quick Share notification on your Android device

Why This Matters

This development resolves a long-standing pain point for mixed-device households and workplaces. Users can now quickly share photos, videos, and files without worrying about the kind of phone the other person uses. The native integration eliminates friction from everyday tasks and represents a rare moment of cooperation between two of technology’s biggest competitors.

For consumers tired of workarounds, this announcement signals that the days of platform-based file-sharing frustration are finally coming to an end.

Photo by Nennieinszweidrei on Pixabay