Google has confirmed that AirDrop support on Android will soon expand to more Samsung Galaxy devices through Quick Share, giving users a much easier way to share files directly with Apple devices without relying on cloud storage or third-party apps. The feature first appeared on the Quick Share experience available on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, while Google previously introduced the underlying Android compatibility on the Google Pixel 10 lineup.
During The Android Show | I/O Edition 2026, Google confirmed that several premium Galaxy devices will receive AirDrop compatibility support. Some of them already support the feature through Samsung’s stable One UI 8.5 update.
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Galaxy devices getting AirDrop support
The supported Galaxy devices include:
- Samsung Galaxy S24
- Samsung Galaxy S24+
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S25
- Samsung Galaxy S25+
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
- Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold
At the same time, Google’s current list leaves out older flagship models like the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Flip 5. The company also did not mention budget and mid-range devices from Samsung’s Galaxy A, Galaxy F, Galaxy M, or Galaxy Tab A series.
Why the feature is limited to flagship Galaxy phones
Google explained that Android’s AirDrop compatibility depends on more than software support because the feature also requires chipset-level networking optimizations to work properly with Apple’s AWDL technology. AWDL, short for Apple Wireless Direct Link, powers AirDrop communication between Apple devices.
Reports claim Google recreated AWDL support using a secure networking protocol written in the Rust programming language, allowing Android devices to establish direct peer-to-peer transfers with Apple hardware through Quick Share.
Because of those hardware requirements, many older or lower-end Galaxy devices may not support the feature even after future software updates.
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