How Galaxy AirDrop Support Works Through Quick Share
Samsung’s latest software update adds true Galaxy AirDrop support by baking Apple compatibility into Quick Share. Instead of a separate app, Google and Samsung use Quick Share as the bridge between Android and Apple’s AirDrop, letting your Galaxy talk directly to iPhones, iPads, and Macs. When you hit Share on a file or photo, Quick Share now scans not only for nearby Android devices, but also for Apple hardware that has AirDrop set to accept transfers. Under the hood, Google reverse‑engineered Apple’s AWDL (Apple Wireless Direct Link) to create a secure, peer‑to‑peer link that mimics how Apple devices talk to each other. The result is a cross‑platform experience that feels nearly as seamless as sending files between two iPhones. For Galaxy owners, this finally closes a big gap when collaborating or sharing memories with friends and colleagues who live in Apple’s ecosystem.
Which Samsung Galaxy Phones Get Quick Share AirDrop
Not every Galaxy phone is eligible, but many recent flagships now support Quick Share AirDrop. The feature first appeared on Google’s Pixel 10 series and later arrived on Samsung’s Galaxy S26 line. With the One UI 8.5 update, it’s expanding to more high‑end models. Officially supported Samsung devices include the Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Flip 7, Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Fold 7, plus the Galaxy Z TriFold. AirDrop support is tied to both software and chipset capabilities, so older lines like the Galaxy S23, Z Flip 5, Z Fold 5, and most mid‑range or budget Galaxy A, F, M, and Tab A devices are not currently on the list. In some markets, the Galaxy S25 family is already receiving One UI 8.5, unlocking Apple‑compatible file sharing right away.
Update Your Galaxy to One UI 8.5 and Prepare Quick Share
Before you can use Samsung iPhone file sharing, you need to get your Galaxy onto One UI 8.5. If your device is eligible, join or install the latest One UI 8.5 build via the Samsung Members app or your standard software update menu. Once that’s done, update all Quick Share–related components from Samsung’s app store or Google Play so the new AirDrop hooks are in place. It’s also wise to check for any pending System Services or Google Play system updates, since these can quietly enable the underlying networking features AirDrop requires. Remember, Quick Share is doing the heavy lifting, so everything linked to it needs to be current. After these updates, your Galaxy S25, S24, or compatible Fold/Flip should be ready to discover and communicate with nearby Apple devices without extra apps or cables.
Turn On “Share with Apple Devices” in Quick Share
Once your phone is updated, enabling Quick Share AirDrop is straightforward. Open the Settings app on your Galaxy, then navigate to Connected devices and tap Quick Share. Inside Quick Share’s options, toggle on the setting labeled “Share with Apple devices.” This switch is what lets your Galaxy broadcast its availability using the AirDrop‑compatible protocol instead of limiting transfers to Android and Windows hardware. With the toggle enabled, your phone is ready from the Android side, but Apple devices must also allow incoming transfers. On an iPhone or iPad, go to AirDrop settings and choose “Everyone for 10 minutes.” On a Mac, set AirDrop to “Everyone.” These permissions ensure your Galaxy can see the Apple device and initiate a secure connection. If either side forgets to enable these options, the devices simply won’t appear in the Quick Share list.
Send Photos and Files Between Galaxy and Apple Devices
With everything configured, you can start using Samsung iPhone file sharing in your daily workflow. Open any app on your Galaxy S25 or other supported device, select a photo, video, document, or other file, and tap the Share button. Choose Quick Share from the share sheet. You’ll see a preview of your file at the top and a list of nearby recipients below, including any iPhones, iPads, or Macs that have AirDrop set to accept files. Tap the Apple device you want, and the transfer begins instantly over a direct wireless link—no mobile data, cloud uploads, or cables required. On the Apple side, the recipient will see a standard AirDrop prompt to accept or decline. Once accepted, the file lands in Photos, Downloads, or the relevant app, just like any other AirDrop. This level of cross‑platform compatibility finally makes sharing between Android and Apple ecosystems feel natural instead of like a workaround.