Earlier this afternoon, Google announced some unexpected news: Pixel 10 owners can send and receive files with Apple devices via AirDrop, and Apple devices can send and receive files via Quick Share. I’m not sure whether to be excited for the news or take it as a sign that the end is nigh. It turns out that Google figured out how to make AirDrop work with Quick Share without Apple at all. Hopefully, this isn’t something Apple rolls back or blocks.
To send or receive a file, the Apple device sharing or receiving needs to make its device discoverable to everyone for 10 minutes. Then, the process should continue as normal, where the receiver has to approve before sending or receiving. And for those of you with security concerns, Google states that the process utilizes a direct, peer-to-peer connection, as there is no involvement or re-routing of data to a server.
First, the addition of RCS to the iPhone for seamless cross-platform messaging, then the added support for unwanted Bluetooth tracker alerts, and now expanded AirDrop/Quick Share support. This marks a step in the right direction for Apple’s slightly less closed-off user experience by showing the company it can collaborate more with others, and everyone can still benefit in the process.
At the current time, Google says this feature is arriving on the Pixel 10 devices first before expanding to other devices. So if you’re using an older Pixel, Galaxy, OnePlus, or Motorola phone, support for your device could be around the corner—unless there are hardware restrictions, then expect a list of compatible devices.
