Summary
- Google has yet again confirmed Quick Share's expansion to more Android smartphones in 2026.
- Nothing and Qualcomm expected to be first to also support the technology at both software and chip levels.
- Google has also said data transfers between Android and iPhone and vice versa will get seamless.
The walls between Android and iOS continue to crumble as Google has now officially confirmed the expansion of AirDrop to more Android smartphones. This time, it's not limited to new Pixel smartphones but the entirety of the Android ecosystem, in collaboration with popular Android manufacturers.
AirDrop support expands to more Android phones
According to Android Authority, speaking at a media briefing in Taipei, Google's VP of Engineering for Android, Eric Kay, revealed that the brand is working to bring cross-platform capabilities to more smartphones in 2026.
We spent a lot of time and energy to make sure that we could build something that was compatible not only with iPhones but iPads and MacBooks. Now that we’ve proven it out, we’re working with our partners to expand it into the rest of the ecosystem.
Although this doesn't really come as a surprise since Google had confirmed the AirDrop expansion when it announced AirDrop support for the Pixel 10. The brand has since then expanded AirDrop to the Pixel 9 series in the recent Android 16 QPR3 Beta update.
We explained how AirDrop works on Android in detail, but for those unaware, Google is seemingly leveraging the fact that Apple recently switched to Wi-Fi Aware, all thanks to the EU. It's an open technology which makes it easier for smartphones to communicate with each other and share files.
As for how Google will expand this to more Android phones, since most Android phones support Quick Share, an update to the extension could add the capability. This will also ensure the feature can be updated independently, paving the way for wider adoption.
While Google hasn't named specific partners, Nothing has confirmed plans to support the feature, besides Qualcomm, which has also hinted at enabling support for Snapdragon-powered smartphones.
Beyond AirDrop, Eric also said that Google is doubling down on migration tools and is developing better methods to help users transfer more data when switching from iPhones. In 2025, it was reported that Google and Apple were collaborating to simplify cross-platform switching.
Given Apple's history of treating its ecosystem as sacred grounds, the brand has been rather quiet since Google jumped the fence. Apple hasn't blocked AirDrop on Android (yet) and with Google expanding support on more Android smartphones, it almost feels like a secret collaboration of sorts. However, it's possible that Apple doesn't really care anymore.
