What AirDrop on Samsung Galaxy Actually Means
AirDrop on Samsung Galaxy is not a separate app, but a new capability built into Google’s Quick Share feature. Google has quietly reverse-engineered Apple’s AWDL (Apple Wireless Direct Link) protocol so certain Android phones can talk directly to iPhones, iPads, and Macs over a peer-to-peer connection. In practice, that means you can now tap Quick Share on a supported Galaxy device and send photos, videos, documents, or links straight to Apple hardware without cables, messages, or cloud links. This upgrade turns Quick Share into a true cross-platform file sharing tool. Instead of being confined to Android and Windows PCs, you can bridge the ecosystem gap and move files seamlessly between Galaxy AirDrop iPhone setups and your existing Apple devices. The catch is that support depends on both software (One UI 8.5 and updated system components) and hardware (chipset-level networking optimizations), so only specific high-end Galaxy models are eligible right now.
Complete List of Galaxy Devices with Quick Share AirDrop Support
Google has confirmed that AirDrop-style Quick Share support is rolling out to a curated set of Samsung Galaxy phones and foldables. On the flagship side, the Galaxy S26 series and Galaxy S25 series are part of the rollout, joining the previously enabled Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra once they receive the necessary One UI 8.5 updates. Among foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6 are all listed, alongside the more experimental Galaxy Z TriFold. Some of these devices have already gained the feature through stable One UI 8.5 builds, while others are in beta programs where the functionality is gradually appearing. Notably, older models such as the Galaxy S23 line, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and most mid-range or budget Galaxy A, F, M, and Tab A devices are not currently supported. Future expansion is possible, but chipset limitations may keep Quick Share AirDrop support limited to higher-end hardware.
Update Your Galaxy for AirDrop on Samsung Galaxy
Before you can use AirDrop on Samsung Galaxy devices, you need to prepare your phone with the right software updates. First, ensure your eligible Galaxy is running One UI 8.5. Many supported models are receiving One UI 8.5 either as a public beta or as a stable release, which you can access via the Samsung Members app and your standard software update menu. Without this update, the “Share with Apple devices” toggle in Quick Share will not appear. Next, update all Quick Share-related components from the Galaxy Store or Google Play so the underlying services that handle cross-platform file sharing are current. It is also wise to check for any remaining system services updates, including Google Play system updates, as these can enable networking features required for Galaxy AirDrop iPhone compatibility. Once your device is fully updated and restarted, you’re ready to configure Quick Share for Apple interoperability.
Enable Quick Share with Apple Devices on Your Galaxy
With your Galaxy updated, you can turn on the setting that allows Quick Share to discover Apple devices. Open Settings, go to Connected Devices, then tap Quick Share. Inside this menu, look for the option labeled “Share with Apple devices” and toggle it on. This setting activates the Android implementation of Apple’s peer-to-peer protocol, allowing your phone to see nearby iPhones, iPads, and Macs as potential recipients. For cross-platform file sharing to work reliably, keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled on your Galaxy, and make sure your screen is on when you initiate transfers. Because the feature is designed to behave like native AirDrop, you do not need to sign into any special account or install additional apps on your phone. Once this configuration is complete, your Galaxy will be ready to send files directly to Apple devices whenever they make themselves visible via AirDrop.
Send Files from Galaxy to iPhone, iPad, and Mac
To send a file from your Galaxy to an Apple device, start by adjusting the AirDrop settings on the Apple side. On an iPhone or iPad, open AirDrop settings and select “Everyone for 10 minutes.” On a Mac, set AirDrop to “Everyone.” This makes the Apple device visible to your Galaxy for a short period. On your Samsung phone, find the file, photo, or video you want to share, tap the share icon, and choose Quick Share from the share sheet. Quick Share will show your selected file at the top and list nearby devices below. If everything is configured properly, you will see the target iPhone, iPad, or Mac in the list; tap it to begin the transfer. The recipient will see a prompt to Accept or Decline. Once accepted, the file arrives just like a native AirDrop transfer, completing a smooth Galaxy AirDrop iPhone experience without cables or messaging apps.