Apple is giving AirDrop a major speed boost in its latest software updates. During WWDC26, the company revealed that AirDrop transfers can now be up to 80% faster, making it much quicker to send large files between Apple devices.
According to Apple, the new improvements dramatically reduce the time it takes to transfer photos, videos, documents, and other files. The company highlighted “Faster AirDrop transfers” as one of the biggest performance upgrades coming to its platforms, with transfer speeds improving by as much as 80%.
For users who regularly share large files, this means noticeably shorter wait times. Whether you’re sending a 4K video from an iPhone or moving large folders between Apple devices, AirDrop should feel much more responsive.
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Part of Apple’s Broader Performance Push
AirDrop is not the only feature getting faster. Apple showcased several performance improvements across its ecosystem, including:
- Up to 30% faster app launches
- Up to 5x faster browsing and transfers in the Files app on iPadOS
- Faster PDF saving
- Faster Safari web application performance
- Faster HomeKit accessory pairing
- Faster lock screen switching
These updates are designed to make everyday actions feel smoother and more immediate.
The AirDrop upgrade will be especially useful for content creators, students, professionals, and anyone who frequently shares large files between Apple devices. Large video projects, presentations, and photo libraries should transfer much faster than before.
Apple’s latest performance enhancements show that WWDC26 is not only about new features and design changes. The company is also focusing on improving the speed of tasks people use every day.
With AirDrop transfers up to 80% faster, sharing files across the Apple ecosystem is about to become quicker and more convenient than ever.
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