What Is Quick Share AirDrop and Why It Matters
Quick Share AirDrop is Google’s new interoperability layer that lets select Samsung Galaxy phones share files directly with Apple devices using the same core technology as AirDrop. Instead of relying on email, messaging apps, or cloud links, your Galaxy can now send photos, videos, documents, and more straight to nearby iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This Galaxy iPhone file sharing works over a peer‑to‑peer wireless connection, so transfers stay local rather than going through external servers. For Samsung users embedded in mixed-device households or offices, this is a major quality-of-life upgrade: no more awkward workarounds or “Can you just WhatsApp it to me?” moments. However, Samsung AirDrop compatibility is limited to newer high-end models with the right chipset and networking optimizations, and it also requires the One UI 8.5 software update. The rest of this guide explains exactly which Galaxy phones are supported and how to use the feature.
Full List of Galaxy Phones with AirDrop Support via Quick Share
Google has now confirmed which Samsung devices gain Galaxy AirDrop support through Quick Share, with some already enabled via the stable One UI 8.5 update. The officially supported models are: • Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S24 Ultra • Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, Galaxy S25 Ultra • Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Z Flip 7 • Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Fold 7 • Galaxy Z TriFold Earlier announcements and rollouts also highlighted the Galaxy S26 series, though it was not explicitly listed in Google’s latest rundown. Notably missing are the Galaxy S23 family, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and all current mid-range and entry lines such as Galaxy A, Galaxy F, Galaxy M, and Galaxy Tab A, along with Galaxy Tab S tablets. According to Google, Quick Share AirDrop requires specific chipset-level and networking capabilities, so older or more affordable models may never receive full Samsung AirDrop compatibility.
Requirements: Software, Updates, and Apple Device Settings
Before you can use Quick Share AirDrop, your Samsung phone must be on One UI 8.5. If your supported Galaxy is enrolled in Samsung’s beta or has received the stable rollout, install the latest update from the Samsung Members app or system settings. Next, update all Quick Share–related components from the Galaxy Store or Google Play so the underlying services that power Galaxy iPhone file sharing are current. It is also wise to install any pending Google Play system or other system services updates, as these can toggle the necessary compatibility flags. On the Apple side, you must adjust AirDrop visibility. On an iPhone or iPad, set AirDrop to “Everyone for 10 minutes” before attempting the transfer. On a Mac, open AirDrop and change the setting to “Everyone.” Once these prerequisites are met, your Galaxy should be able to discover nearby Apple devices via Quick Share.
How to Send Files from Galaxy to iPhone, iPad, or Mac
With everything updated, enabling Galaxy AirDrop support is straightforward. On your Samsung phone, open Settings, then go to Connected Devices and choose Quick Share. Enable the option labeled “Share with Apple devices.” Now you are ready to send content. Open any app with the file you want to share—such as Gallery for photos or Files for documents—tap the share icon, and select Quick Share from the share sheet. A panel appears with a preview of what you are sending and a list of nearby devices. If the iPhone, iPad, or Mac has AirDrop visibility set correctly, it should appear here. Tap the target device to start the transfer. The Apple user then gets a prompt to Accept or Decline. On iOS and iPadOS, it is a single Accept tap; on macOS, they can also pick where to save the incoming file. Once accepted, the transfer completes wirelessly and locally.
Should You Wait If Your Galaxy Isn’t on the List?
If your current phone is missing from the Quick Share AirDrop compatibility list, there are a few things to consider before upgrading. Google has indicated that Android’s AirDrop-style sharing is not just a simple software switch; it relies on chipset-level support and specialized networking that emulates Apple’s AWDL technology using a secure Rust-based implementation. That means many older or mid-range Galaxy models may never gain Samsung AirDrop compatibility. While Google and Samsung could add more high-end devices over time, the safest bet for guaranteed Galaxy iPhone file sharing is to choose from the officially supported models. If cross-platform sharing is central to your workflow—especially if you collaborate with people who live on iPhones, iPads, and Macs—then prioritizing a supported S-series or Z-series device makes sense. Otherwise, you can continue using traditional cloud, messaging, or cable methods until you are ready to upgrade.
