If you’re an Android user, you must have faced issues sharing files with an iPhone user. Sharing a single photo will either take a third-party app or cloud links, but it is changing in a big way now. Google has rolled out a new update that finally lets the Pixel 10 series share files directly with
iPhones through Quick Share. Yes, really. Cross-platform, device-to-device file sharing is finally here, and it might be one of the most important quality-of-life upgrades Android users have received in years.
Google bridges the gap between Android and iOS
Android relies on Quick Share (formerly Nearby Share), while
Apple leans entirely on AirDrop. The two systems have never spoken to each other until now.
With this new update, Pixel 10 owners can send files straight to iPhones and iPads, provided the Apple device has AirDrop set to “Everyone for 10 Minutes.” This little toggle is what opens the bridge between the two platforms.
The process is simple; just select the files or photos you want to share, and tap on Quick Share in your Pixel 10. Meanwhile, keep the AirDrop ready and tap on share to transfer the files.
How the cross-platform quick share works
Google’s version of Quick Share for Pixel 10 uses a peer-to-peer protocol that connects directly between devices, the same foundational concept behind AirDrop. This means everything happens locally, without passing through servers or external networks, preserving both privacy and speed. For people who regularly switch between Android and iPhone or for those who have mixed devices in the family, this update eliminates a long-standing pain point.
Why this update actually matters
This was one of the most-awaited features demanded by the users for a long time. Messaging and file transfer have been a battleground where Android and iOS have been incompatible, but the introduction of this feature definitely gives an edge to the users.
By integrating iPhone compatibility into Quick Share, Google isn’t just adding a new feature; it’s challenging the long-standing divide between the two biggest mobile ecosystems in the world.
It also minimises one of Apple’s subtle lock-in advantages. For years, AirDrop has been a reason for users to stay inside the Apple universe. Now, with Google opening up Quick Share, file sharing becomes less of a loyalty factor and more of a basic feature every smartphone user can expect.
What this means going forward
As of now, the cross-platform Quick Share is limited to Pixel 10, but it will be available to other Androids soon. With the Android 16 rollout, Google collaborated with Apple to release this interoperability. This is indeed a welcoming change.
