Google has taken a major step toward breaking down the long-standing wall between Android and iOS. On Thursday, the company updated its wireless sharing feature, Quick Share, to communicate directly with Apple’s AirDrop, a first for cross-platform, peer-to-peer transfers between the two ecosystems.
How The Feature Works
To make the connection work, Apple device owners need to switch their AirDrop setting to “Everyone for 10 Minutes”, the Cupertino giant’s time-limited discoverability mode designed to prevent unwanted file requests introduced last year. On the Android side, Pixel users also need to make their device discoverable through Quick Share.
Although the added step creates some inconvenience, Google says it hopes to eventually support AirDrop’s “Contacts Only” mode, provided Apple is willing to collaborate.
Rust-Hardened Security Under The Hood
Despite launching this feature without Apple’s involvement, Google insists that it is secure. Dave Kleidermacher, Google’s VP of Platforms Security & Privacy, stated in a blog post that the interoperability layer was developed using Rust, a memory-safe programming language that prevents entire categories of bugs associated with unsafe memory handling — a common attack vector in wireless communication protocols.
Direct, Private, Peer-to-Peer Connections
Google says the connection is fully peer-to-peer and avoids cloud routing, meaning no shared content is logged or stored on its servers. Every transfer still requires explicit user approval on the receiving device.
Independent Audit Validates Google’s Claims
To validate the security of this feature, Google commissioned a leading third-party penetration testing firm, NetSPI. The audit found that the interoperability between Quick Share and AirDrop is secure and “notably stronger” than similar manufacturer solutions and confirmed that it does not leak data.
Limited Rollout Begins With Pixel
The feature is rolling out first to Google’s Pixel 10 line-up and works with iPhone, iPad, and macOS devices. Support for other Android phones is planned, though Google hasn’t given a firm timeline. The company describes the function as “just the first step as we work to improve the experience and expand it to more devices.”
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