With One UI 8.5: Samsung expands AirDrop support for Galaxy devices
Samsung is expanding AirDrop support for its Galaxy devices. With the upcoming update to One UI 8.5, numerous other smartphones will receive it.
Currently, only the Galaxy S26 models from Samsung's smartphones support Airdrop – that will soon change.
(Image: Steffen Herget / heise medien)
Data exchange between Android and Apple devices has been less complicated since November 21, 2025. However, the number of supported Android smartphones is still manageable: In addition to Google's Pixel 9 and 10 series, currently only the Galaxy S26 family is supported. Now, Samsung announced on Thursday that it will bring the feature to more Galaxy devices.
As part of the expansion of the beta program for the One UI 8.5 update, Samsung confirmed that AirDrop via Quick Share will be coming to the Galaxy S24 and S25 series, among others. But other models are also included: Samsung mentions, for example, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6. This means Samsung will offer more comprehensive support for the feature in the future than Google currently offers for its Pixel devices.
(Image:Â Google)
However, for the devices to receive support for data exchange between the two ecosystems, the major update to One UI 8.5 is required. This is currently only available on the Galaxy S26 series and the new mid-range models Galaxy A37 and A57; according to our findings, the latter do not yet offer AirDrop support.
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AirDrop support for more Android devices
If you don't own a current Galaxy S26: Currently, owners of a model from the Galaxy S25 series can already try out the AirDrop function. However, they need to register for the beta program in the Members app. It shouldn't be long before the final update is rolled out.
Sooner or later, the AirDrop function will also be available on devices from other manufacturers. At least Google announced in early February 2026 that it is working on expanding the feature "to the rest of the ecosystem". Nothing and Qualcomm have also already shown interest, but there is no concrete timeline for further distribution.
At the MWC 2026, Oppo confirmed that the feature will be integrated into the Find X9 series. The feature was developed "in close cooperation with MediaTek and Google," it was said. It was originally planned to be gradually introduced in March as part of a software update.
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