Quick Share: Google experiments with data transfer between Android and iPhone

With Google's Quick Share, it is possible to conveniently share data between Android devices, but also with Chromebooks and Windows devices. Now the hobbyists at Android Authority have found indications in a current Play Services APK –, i.e. the installation file from the Google Play Store –, that Google is preparing data exchange with iPhones and Macs.

Quick Share apparently for iPhones and Macs

In a recent version of the Google Play Services app (25.34.31 beta), developer Assembledebug discovered strings in the assets that confirm “Quick Share for iPhones” for Android Authority. Another string indicates that to use Quick Share, users must sign in with a Google account to share files. The developer was also able to activate a menu that indicates end-to-end data sharing for iPhones.

<string name="sharing_qr_code_cloud_sign_in_dialog_content">To share end-to-end encrypted files with iPhone and other devices, first sign in</string>
<string name="sharing_qr_code_cloud_sign_in_dialog_title">Sign in to share</string>

This is not the first sign of life from Quick Share for Apple's ecosystem: Android Authority already reported corresponding indications at the end of 2024.

Unlike Apple's AirDrop system tool, which can be used to seamlessly transfer files, photos and other content between iPhones, Macs or iPads, future iPhone or Mac users of Quick Share are likely to install a corresponding app on their devices. It is not yet clear if or when Google will offer this tool for Apple devices. For Android users with Macs, such a solution would be very welcome to integrate their smartphone a little more closely with an Apple notebook.

Available alternatives

Meanwhile, Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oppo has a solution for Oppo and OnePlus smartphones to share data with a Mac in the form of the "O Plus Connect" app.

For Mac-using owners of an Android smartphone, the NearDrop app is an interesting interim solution. All they have to do is install the open source client on their Mac, which is available on Github. They can then move data back from Android to their Mac using Quick Share.

Another option is Localsend: The free open source application also supports data transfer between Macs and Android in both directions. It is also available for iOS, Windows and Linux.

(afl)