Google allows direct data exchange between iPhone and Android smartphones

Users of Android smartphones typically resort to messaging apps when they want to send, for example, pictures or videos to iPhone owners, even if they are in close proximity. With other Android phones, this is possible with “Quick Share,” comparable to Apple's AirDrop. But now Google is expanding this Android system function to include collaboration with Apple's ecosystem so that files can now also be sent directly and wirelessly from Android phones to iPhones – and vice versa. Initially, the extended Quick Share is available with Pixel 10 series smartphones.

This is not surprising. It became known at the end of August that Google is experimenting with Quick Share for iPhones and Macs after corresponding hints were found in the code of a beta version of Google's Play Services app. This indicated that the company is working on better integrating Android with iOS and macOS. At the time, however, it was still assumed that iPhone or Mac users would have to install a corresponding app for Quick Share on their devices.

Quick Share with Apple initially only with Pixel 10

This saves Google the trouble for Apple users by combining Quick Share directly with Apple's AirDrop. However, this is currently limited to Pixel 10 phones. If Quick Share is activated on such an Android smartphone and one or more files are selected for sending, the system will now also find iPhones in the vicinity. When the data transfer is started, the Apple device displays a corresponding AirDrop notification and asks whether the file(s) should be accepted.

Conversely, iPhone users can now also send files to Pixel 10 series Android smartphones via AirDrop. However, this requires activating reception on the Pixel 10 first. Otherwise, the Android device will not be found by Apple's AirDrop.

Google emphasizes security; Macs and other phones unclear

In its blog post, Google emphasizes that this function was developed “with the highest security standards” and that the data is protected by “security measures verified by independent security experts.” The expansion of Quick Share is thus the next step towards the “better compatibility between operating systems desired by users”. However, Google does not mention when this function will be extended to other Android devices besides the Pixel 10 series.

This Android system function was previously known as “Nearby Share” and was then called “Quick Share from Google.” Earlier this year, Google's AirDrop alternative was renamed again—to Quick Share. Whether and when Quick Share will also work with other Apple devices, such as MacBooks, in the future is also still unclear.

(fds)