How Samsung Galaxy AirDrop Support Works
Samsung Galaxy AirDrop support arrives through Google’s Quick Share, which now speaks the same wireless “language” as Apple’s AirDrop. Instead of a separate app, the feature is built into the existing Quick Share experience on supported Galaxy phones. When you share a file, photo, or video, Quick Share scans nearby devices and can now surface iPhones, iPads, and Macs alongside Android devices. Google achieved this by reverse‑engineering Apple’s AWDL (Apple Wireless Direct Link) technology and implementing a secure, memory‑safe networking layer so Android devices can create a direct, peer‑to‑peer connection with Apple hardware. Because this requires specific chipset‑level capabilities and networking optimizations, AirDrop integration is limited to recent high‑end Galaxy models and phones running One UI 8.5 or later. The result is a seamless Android iPhone file sharing experience that avoids cloud uploads and keeps transfers fast, local, and private.
Galaxy Models That Get Quick Share AirDrop Support
Google has confirmed a focused list of Samsung phones that gain Quick Share AirDrop support. On the Galaxy S line, the Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra are all supported once they’re updated to One UI 8.5. Foldable fans aren’t left out either: Galaxy Z Flip 6, Z Flip 7, Z Fold 6, Z Fold 7, and the Galaxy Z TriFold are on the official compatibility list. AirDrop first surfaced on Google’s Pixel 10 series, later expanded to Pixel 9 and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 family, and is now rolling out to the Galaxy S25 series through One UI 8.5. Notably absent are the Galaxy S23 lineup, Z Flip 5, Z Fold 5, and mid‑range or budget lines such as Galaxy A, F, M, and Tab A, as well as current Galaxy Tab S models. Hardware limitations mean support may remain restricted to select premium devices.
Updating to One UI 8.5 and Preparing Your Galaxy Phone
Before using Galaxy S25 AirDrop capabilities or similar features on other supported models, you must update to One UI 8.5. On a compatible Galaxy device, join or install the latest One UI 8.5 build through the Samsung Members app or your standard software update settings, depending on availability. Once the firmware is installed, update all Quick Share‑related components from Samsung’s app stores or system update prompts, since these background services power the new Android iPhone file sharing bridge. It is also wise to check for pending Google Play system updates and other system services, as these can unlock underlying networking improvements needed for reliable AirDrop support. Many Galaxy S24, S25, Z Fold, and Z Flip models are already seeing the update, with rollouts continuing. After these steps, your phone is ready to enable Apple device compatibility and begin sharing files wirelessly with nearby iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
How to Turn On Apple Device Support in Quick Share
Once One UI 8.5 is installed and your apps are up to date, enabling Quick Share AirDrop support is straightforward. Open the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy phone and navigate to Connected Devices, then tap Quick Share. Inside Quick Share, look for the toggle labeled Share with Apple devices and switch it on. This setting allows your Galaxy to advertise and discover Apple hardware through the same peer‑to‑peer protocol that AirDrop uses. No extra pairing or account linking is required, but both devices must have Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth active. On the Apple side, the owner controls who can see their device via AirDrop settings, so you may not see their device until they adjust their visibility. After this one‑time setup, the AirDrop bridge is always available; any time you use Quick Share from your Galaxy, compatible Apple devices will appear alongside Android targets when they are nearby and discoverable.
Sending Files Between Galaxy and Apple Devices Step by Step
With everything configured, sending files from a Samsung Galaxy to an Apple device is almost identical to normal Quick Share. Start by opening the file, photo, or video you want to send and tap the share button. Choose Quick Share from the share sheet; this opens an overview screen showing the selected content at the top and a row of nearby devices underneath. If Share with Apple devices is enabled on your Galaxy and AirDrop visibility is set correctly on the Apple hardware, you’ll see compatible iPhones, iPads, and Macs listed. On iPhone or iPad, the recipient must set AirDrop to Everyone for 10 minutes; on Mac, AirDrop should be set to Everyone. Tap the target device’s name, and the transfer begins immediately over a direct wireless link. The recipient will see a standard AirDrop prompt to accept or decline the file, after which the content is saved in the appropriate app or folder.