There has always been a technological barrier separating Apple and Android users. How many times have you taken a great photo or high-definition video with your iPhone and wanted to send it to your Android friend, only to find yourself having to use messaging apps that reduce the quality or upload the file to cloud services? But there's a welcome surprise we've been waiting for. In a move described by experts as historic, Google has officially announced the breaking down of this barrier. Now, quite simply, iPhone and Android users can seamlessly and quickly exchange files using their phones' built-in technologies: AirDrop and Quick Share.
In this detailed article, we will explain everything you need to know about this new feature, the supported phones, how to use it step by step, and how safe it is.
AirDrop and Quick Share integration
In news that has shaken the tech world in the past few days, Google has unveiled a new cross-platform feature that allows file sharing between the two rival camps.
This feature relies on the compatibility between Apple's popular AirDrop protocol and the Quick Share feature on the new Pixel devices. This means you won't need to install complicated third-party apps or create new accounts; it's all integrated into the operating system itself.
Currently supported devices
According to the official announcement, this feature is currently available for a select group of flagship devices, namely:
◉ Apple devices, all iPhones, iPads, and Macs that support AirDrop.
◉Google devices, the new Pixel 10 series of phones, including the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel, 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Fold.
How does the feature work? A step-by-step guide
What's great about this update is the user experience. The companies have made sure the process feels very natural, as if you're sending a file to a phone of the same type.
Sending a file from a Pixel 10 phone to an iPhone
If you have a Pixel 10 phone and want to send a picture to your friend who has an iPhone, the process is as follows:
◉ iPhone users must go to AirDrop settings and change the visibility setting to “Everyone for 10 Minutes.” This step is necessary for the Pixel phone to detect the iPhone.
◉ To send from a Pixel 10 phone, select the file and press “Quick Share”.
◉ A pop-up window will appear on your iPhone screen, identical to the usual AirDrop notification, asking you to accept the file.
◉ Once you click “Accept”, the file is immediately saved in the Photos app for photos and videos, or the Files app for documents.
Sending a file from iPhone to Pixel 10
The opposite is also true, and just as easily available:
◉ Pixel 10 users need to activate the “Everyone for 10 minutes” option in Quick Share settings, or enter “Receive mode” from the Quick Share page.
◉ To send from an iPhone, the iPhone user selects the file, taps the share icon, then AirDrop. The Pixel 10 will appear as a device available for sending.
◉ To receive, the Pixel user agrees to the transfer.
◉ Received files are saved in the “Files” application on the Android device.
Security and privacy: Is my data at risk?
One of the most important questions that may come to your mind is: “Do my files pass through Google or Apple servers? And can anyone spy on them?”
The short answer is: no, because the process is extremely safe.
Google confirmed in its announcement that the interoperability between Quick Share and AirDrop was designed with a "multi-layered" security approach to ensure a secure sharing experience regardless of the platform:
◉ Direct “peer-to-peer” connection: The connection between the two devices is direct, without the need to upload files to a cloud or intermediary server. Data is transferred directly from device “A” to device “B”.
◉ Encrypted sharing channels, where strong encryption protocols are used to ensure that data is not intercepted during transmission.
◉ Mandatory consent: No one can send you a file without your explicit consent. You must click “Accept” each time.
◉ Identity verification: For added security, the other person’s device name is clearly displayed on your screen before you accept the file, allowing you to be sure that you are receiving the file from the right person.
Current restrictions and what to expect in the future
Although this update is considered revolutionary, it is still in its early stages and has some minor limitations that you should be aware of:
"Everyone" mode only
Currently, for the feature to work, the receiving settings must be set to “Everyone for 10 minutes.” You cannot yet use the “Contacts Only” mode between the two systems.
The good news is that Google has stated that it aspires to work with Apple to support “contacts only” mode in the future, which will make the process easier and more secure.
Exclusive Devices
As of this writing, the feature is exclusive to the Pixel 10 series on the Android side. It has not yet been announced whether it will be available for Samsung, Xiaomi, or other older Android devices.
Why is this change so important?
Some may see this as just a minor technical update, but in reality, this change addresses one of the biggest “pain points” in the world of smartphones.
◉ Content quality: You'll no longer have to send videos via WhatsApp or Messenger and receive poor quality. You'll get the file in its original, full quality.
◉ Speed: Transferring large amounts of gigabytes of data takes place in just a few seconds thanks to the Wi-Fi Direct technologies used in AirDrop and Quick Share.
◉ Digital coexistence, as this update makes life easier for families and work groups that use a mix of iPhones and Android devices, and removes the social pressure to own a specific type of phone just to share photos.
Google's announcement of compatibility between Quick Share and AirDrop marks the beginning of a new era of technological openness in 2025. Artificial barriers have fallen, and we can now share beautiful moments and important files with those we love, regardless of the logo on the back of their phones.
Source:
5 comment