Following the massive hype surrounding the integrated AirDrop feature in Quick Share on the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung is preparing to bring this highly anticipated file-sharing tool to older-generation devices. At The Android Show | I/O Edition (2026), a Google representative confirmed that AirDrop compatibility will soon be expanded to several premium Samsung smartphones. Notably, some devices on the roster have already started receiving the feature via the stable One UI 8.5 update.

Here is the confirmed list of Galaxy devices slated to support AirDrop via Quick Share:

  • Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra

  • Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra

  • Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Flip 7

  • Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Fold 7

  • Galaxy Z TriFold

However, the announcement leaves some users feeling left out, as models like the Galaxy S23 series, Z Flip 5, and Z Fold 5 are conspicuously missing from the lineup. The entire mid-range and budget segments—including the A, F, and M series—as well as the Galaxy Tab S tablet lineup, remain excluded from this rollout wave.

This device limitation isn't simply a software hurdle; it is strictly tied to hardware architecture. To successfully "talk" to AirDrop, Android devices require chipset-level optimization to emulate Apple's proprietary AWDL (Apple Wireless Direct Link) technology. Google has painstakingly reverse-engineered this protocol using the Rust programming language, enabling Quick Share to communicate directly with Apple devices via a peer-to-peer connection, completely bypassing intermediary servers.

The stringent demands on processing power and network optimization mean that older or lower-spec devices simply cannot handle the feature. While Google may expand the compatibility list in the future, AirDrop integration currently remains an exclusive perk for premium smartphones equipped with cutting-edge hardware. This strict requirement ensures top-tier data transfer speeds and absolute security when Galaxy users connect directly to an iPhone or Mac.