How AirDrop Support Arrived on Samsung Galaxy Phones
AirDrop-style sharing on Android is now a reality for select Samsung Galaxy phones, thanks to Google’s Quick Share integration. Google quietly introduced AirDrop compatibility on Android through Quick Share with its Pixel 10 series and then expanded it to the Pixel 9 and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 line. Samsung followed up by bringing the feature to more flagship models via the One UI 8.5 update. With this upgrade, supported Galaxy phones can share photos, videos, documents, and other files directly to nearby iPhones, iPads, and Macs, without needing third‑party apps or cloud links. Behind the scenes, Google reverse‑engineered Apple’s AWDL wireless technology using a secure, Rust-based networking stack so Android devices can talk to Apple hardware over a fast, peer‑to‑peer connection. For users, though, the experience is simple: you use Quick Share on your Galaxy much like AirDrop on an iPhone.
Supported Samsung Galaxy Models for Quick Share AirDrop Support
Not every Samsung phone can use AirDrop-compatible Quick Share. Google and Samsung are focusing on recent high-end Galaxy models with the right chipset and networking capabilities. Currently, supported devices include the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra, along with the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. Foldable fans are covered too: Galaxy Z Flip 6, Z Flip 7, Z Fold 6, Z Fold 7, and the Galaxy Z TriFold are all on the list. Samsung has also expanded support via One UI 8.5 to the Galaxy S26 series and earlier flagships like the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S24 families, plus the Z Fold 7, Flip 7, Fold 6, and Flip 6. Older flagships such as the Galaxy S23 line and Z Fold 5 and Flip 5, as well as most mid‑range and budget Galaxy A, F, M, and Tab A devices, do not currently support this feature.
Prepare Your Samsung Galaxy for Cross-Platform Sharing
Before you can share files between iPhone and Android using Quick Share, you need to prepare your Samsung Galaxy. First, update your phone to One UI 8.5, which delivers the Galaxy AirDrop support. You can check and install this update through the Samsung Members app or your phone’s standard software update menu, depending on availability. Next, make sure all Quick Share-related components are up to date. Visit the Galaxy Store and Google Play Store to update Samsung’s sharing services and any system components tied to Quick Share. It’s also wise to install any pending Google Play system updates or other system service patches, as these can unlock the underlying AirDrop Samsung Galaxy compatibility. Once your device and services are updated, you’re ready to enable the new cross‑platform sharing option in settings and start using Quick Share with Apple devices.
Enable Quick Share’s AirDrop Compatibility on Your Galaxy
With your phone updated, you can now turn on Quick Share AirDrop support. Open Settings on your Samsung Galaxy and navigate to Connected Devices, then tap Quick Share. In this menu, you’ll see a toggle or option labeled “Share with Apple devices.” Enable this setting to allow your Galaxy to discover and send files to nearby iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This change doesn’t affect sharing between Android devices; it simply unlocks the additional compatibility layer for Apple hardware. From this point on, whenever you use the share menu in apps like Gallery, Files, or your browser, Quick Share will be able to search for compatible Apple devices around you. If everything is configured correctly on the Apple side, you’ll soon see those iPhones, iPads, and Macs appear as share targets alongside your usual Android devices.
Share Files Between Galaxy and Apple Devices Step by Step
To actually share files between a Samsung Galaxy and Apple device, both sides need a quick one-time setup. On the Apple device, open AirDrop settings. On an iPhone or iPad, choose “Everyone for 10 minutes.” On a Mac, set AirDrop visibility to “Everyone.” This makes the Apple device discoverable to Quick Share. On your Galaxy, locate the photo, video, or document you want to send, tap the share button, and select Quick Share. A panel appears showing the file at the top and available devices below. If AirDrop is configured correctly, you’ll see nearby iPhones, iPads, and Macs listed. Tap the desired device; an approval prompt appears on the Apple screen, asking the recipient to Accept or Decline. Once accepted, the file transfers directly over a secure peer‑to‑peer connection, without needing cables or cloud uploads.