AirDrop-Style Sharing Arrives with Galaxy One UI 8.5
Samsung’s latest Galaxy One UI 8.5 update introduces a long‑requested capability: true AirDrop-style file sharing. Built directly into Samsung’s existing Quick Share service, the new feature lets Galaxy owners wirelessly send photos, videos and other files without cables, mobile data or clunky workarounds. The headline change is interoperability. For years, Apple’s AirDrop gave iPhone and Mac users a seamless way to move files within Apple’s ecosystem, while Android users relied on separate tools that didn’t talk to Apple devices. With One UI 8.5, compatible Galaxy phones can now participate in this cross-platform sharing layer, reducing one of Apple’s biggest ecosystem advantages. The feature originally appeared on certain Android phones and the Galaxy S26 family, and is now expanding to more Galaxy models via the One UI 8.5 update, signaling Samsung’s commitment to tighter, more convenient device-to-device connectivity.
How Samsung’s New Quick Share Works Across Platforms
The new Samsung AirDrop feature lives inside Quick Share, so users don’t have to learn a separate app or workflow. After installing the One UI 8.5 update, Galaxy owners can enable Apple device support in the settings. From there, sharing a file looks familiar: tap the share button, choose Quick Share, and nearby devices appear on screen. The difference now is that the list includes iPhones, iPads and MacBooks alongside other Android phones. Tapping an Apple device sends the file using a mix of Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi, allowing high‑speed transfers without consuming mobile data. Early use on Galaxy S26 and Pixel phones shows that transfers feel as smooth as Apple’s own AirDrop experience. With the stable One UI 8.5 release, earlier beta issues are reportedly resolved, making cross‑platform Galaxy file sharing more reliable for everyday use.
Galaxy S25 Leads the Rollout, With More Devices to Follow
Samsung is prioritizing its recent flagships for the One UI 8.5 update, starting with the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra. These devices are now gaining the cross‑platform Quick Share capability that first appeared on the newer Galaxy S26 lineup. For Galaxy S25 owners, it means they no longer have to rely on email, messaging apps or cloud links to move media to friends and colleagues using Apple hardware. Beyond the S25 family, Samsung is extending One UI 8.5 – and with it, AirDrop-style sharing – to previous generations, including the Galaxy S24, S23 and even the S22 series. As the rollout progresses, a large portion of recent Galaxy flagships will be able to participate in the same unified sharing layer. This staged deployment ensures that Samsung’s ecosystem, not just its very latest phones, benefits from the new connectivity.
Closing the Gap with Apple’s Ecosystem Advantage
For over a decade, Apple’s tight ecosystem integration — symbolized by AirDrop — has been a major selling point for iPhone and Mac users. Samsung’s One UI 8.5 update significantly narrows that gap by making cross‑platform Quick Share a built‑in capability instead of a niche workaround. Galaxy users who collaborate with Apple users can now share photos, videos and documents in seconds, no matter which side of the mobile divide they’re on. This change strengthens Samsung’s broader ecosystem story: Galaxy phones, tablets and other devices become more flexible tools in mixed-device households, schools and workplaces. Instead of feeling locked out of Apple-centric workflows, Galaxy owners gain a seat at the same table. Combined with visual refinements, expanded Galaxy AI features and app enhancements, One UI 8.5 is as much about ecosystem parity as it is about polish and personalization.