A major step in cross-platform connectivity has arrived, as Google has introduced a new file-sharing feature that lets Android users send files directly to Apple devices.
The upgrade is launching first on the Pixel 10 series, giving users the ability to transfer photos, videos, and documents to iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers without any extra apps.
According to Google, the system was designed independently and does not rely on Apple’s technology, even though it works with Apple’s AirDrop discovery settings.
To receive a file, the Apple user simply needs to enable their device’s option to be discoverable by everyone. This mode works for only ten minutes at a time, after which it turns off automatically for security reasons.
Once the Apple device is set to accept incoming transfers, the Pixel user can open Quick Share, select the Apple device from the list, and send the file smoothly. The receiver will see a pop-up on their screen—similar to a normal AirDrop request allowing them to approve or decline the transfer.
Tech experts see this as a notable moment in the long-running divide between the Android and Apple ecosystems. AirDrop has traditionally been one of Apple’s strongest exclusive features, giving its users fast and effortless sharing inside the Apple world. With Google now offering a way to communicate directly with AirDrop-ready devices, that exclusivity is beginning to fade.
The feature is expected to roll out to more Android devices in the coming months, opening the door to easier sharing between both platforms and reducing the barriers that have separated them for over a decade.
