Google Pixel 10 Now Supports AirDrop Sharing Without Apple’s Help

Google Pixel 10 Now Supports AirDrop Sharing Without Apple’s Help

Google just rolled out a surprise update: Pixel 10 owners can now send and receive files directly with Apple devices using AirDrop. What makes this even more interesting is that Google built this compatibility entirely on its own, with no collaboration from Apple.

For now, the feature works only on the Pixel 10 series, but Google says it plans to expand support to more devices in the future.

How the New Pixel 10 AirDrop Sharing Works

According to Google, Pixel 10 devices can now communicate directly with iPhones, iPads, and Macs for fast, secure file transfers.

To Send a File from Pixel 10 to an Apple Device:

1. The iPhone, iPad, or Mac user must set their AirDrop visibility to “Everyone for 10 minutes.”
2. The Pixel 10 user selects the file and chooses Quick Share.
3. The Apple device will appear in the list.
4. The Apple user accepts the AirDrop request — and the transfer begins.

To Send a File from an Apple Device to a Pixel 10:

1. Pixel 10 must be discoverable to “Everyone” or set to Receive Mode.
2. The Apple user starts an AirDrop transfer.
3. The Pixel user accepts the prompt.
4. The file is transferred instantly.

Google says the experience feels almost identical to sending files between Apple devices.

A Direct, Secure, Peer-to-Peer Connection

In a post on Google’s security blog, the company stressed that the new AirDrop compatibility is not a workaround. Instead, it uses a direct, peer-to-peer wireless connection, meaning:

• No servers are involved
• No data is routed externally
• No logs of shared files are kept
• No additional data is exchanged

Google also revealed that it hired an independent security firm (NetSPI) to penetration-test the system. This ensures the new interoperability meets strict privacy and security standards.

No Apple Collaboration — Google Built It Alone

When asked whether Apple was involved, Google confirmed the feature was developed entirely independently.

“We accomplished this through our own implementation,”
— Google spokesperson Alex Moriconi

Google didn’t say how Apple might respond, but noted it remains open to future collaboration.

Apple has not yet commented.

Why This Matters for Android and iPhone Users

This is a major development in the long-standing divide between iOS and Android.

AirDrop has always been one of Apple’s most convenient features — and one that kept users locked inside the ecosystem. Now that:

• RCS is available on iPhones, improving cross-platform messaging
• And Pixel 10 now supports AirDrop file sharing

…the walls of Apple’s ecosystem are slowly lowering.

This could hint at a future where Android and iOS users can share files, messages, and media more seamlessly — without relying on third-party apps.

The Catch: It’s Only on Pixel 10 (For Now)

This is not yet an Android-wide feature. Only the Pixel 10 lineup currently supports AirDrop interoperability.

However, Google confirmed that more devices will get the feature later — possibly starting with upcoming Pixel models and then expanding to select Android phones.

TechCity