Google has just released a new update that allows Quick Share on Android to send and receive files directly with Apple’s AirDrop. Simply put, you can share photos, videos, or documents between Android and iPhone (as well as Mac and iPad) without any tricks or intermediary apps. The feature is currently only available on the Pixel 10, but it will likely expand to other Android devices, including Samsung Galaxy devices.

Google confirmed that when iPhone users switch AirDrop to “Everyone for 10 Minutes,” the device will appear in the Quick Share interface like any Android device. In the opposite direction, iPhones can also send files to Android if the Pixel switches Quick Share to “Everyone for 10 Minutes” or turns on the file receiving mode. Once accepted, the file will be in the Android Files app.

Interestingly, Google developed this entire feature without any cooperation from Apple. This raises the question of whether Apple will try to block it in future updates. Apple has not yet commented.

The connection is made directly peer-to-peer; the data does not go through the server, making it more secure. Google said the sharing channel is built with Rust to limit memory-related vulnerabilities, and both iOS and Android apply additional layers of security. Each time a file is received, the user is asked to confirm before downloading.

During the development process, Google performed security testing, attack simulations, privacy assessments, and hired an independent unit to evaluate. The results show that this implementation is more secure and robust than many other similar solutions. However, the feature currently only works with AirDrop's temporary "Everyone for 10 Minutes" mode.

Google said it hopes to work with Apple in the future to support "Contacts Only" mode, thereby providing a smoother experience. Now all that remains is for this feature to hit Samsung Galaxy lines, and many are betting that One UI 8.5 will be the update that makes it happen.