Joe Maring / Android Authority
If you had told me a few days ago that on a random Thursday morning, Google would launch AirDrop support for its Pixel phones, I would have called you crazy. And yet, that’s exactly what happened this past week.
On November 20, Google upgraded its Quick Share system so that Pixel 10 phones can send/receive files to and from any iPhone, iPad, or Mac over AirDrop. It sounds impossible, but it’s real— and shockingly easy to use.
I’ve been testing this new Quick Share/AirDrop compatibility, sharing all sorts of files between my Pixel 10 and my Apple devices. Simply put, it feels like magic.
Do you think Apple will try to block AirDrop on the Pixel 10? 1941 votes Of course. Apple still hasn't outgrown its "doesn't play well with others" phase. 34 % Yes, but it will frame it as a "security upgrade" that just happens to break Android support. 46 % Maybe, and it will depend on how Apple users react to the news. 9 % Nah. Apple's got more important things to care about than what Android's up to. 10 %
AirDropping files between a Pixel and an iPhone shouldn’t work this well, but it does
Joe Maring / Android Authority
Getting started with Quick Share/AirDrop sharing is ultimately pretty simple. You’ll need to update some software on your Pixel 10 and ensure your AirDrop sharing settings are configured correctly, but once that’s done, using Quick Share with an Apple device works exactly like it does when sending files to another Android phone.
I’ve used Quick Share a few times now to send files from my Pixel 10 Pro to my iPhone 16, and it’s worked beautifully each time.
Almost immediately after selecting my iPhone from the Quick Share menu, I get an AirDrop pop-up asking me to accept the file I’m sharing from the Pixel. Once I accept, the file takes a second to load, then pops up on my iPhone without a hitch. The same has been true when using Quick Share to send files to my Mac mini and MacBook Air.
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