Pixel 10 Users Can Now Share Files with Apple Devices Through AirDrop: Google has announced a major surprise for Pixel users. Owners of the Pixel 10 series can now send and receive files with Apple devices through AirDrop. What makes this even more impressive is that Google built the feature without any involvement from Apple.
The company says it works with iPhone, iPad, and macOS devices across the entire Pixel 10 lineup. Google spokesperson Alex Moriconi confirmed, “We’re bringing this new experience to Pixel 10 first before expanding to other devices.”
How File Sharing Works Between Pixel 10 and Apple Devices
To share a file from a Pixel 10 to an Apple device, the Apple user needs to set their AirDrop visibility to “everyone” for up to 10 minutes. After that, the Pixel 10 can detect the device through Quick Share and send the file. For the Apple user, the incoming request appears just like any other AirDrop transfer.
It also works in reverse. The Pixel 10 must be discoverable to everyone or placed in receive mode. The Apple user then starts the AirDrop transfer, the Pixel user accepts it, and the file moves over with the same ease as a normal AirDrop session.
Google Explains the Technology Behind the Feature
In a detailed post on its security blog, Google emphasized that the system uses a direct connection. The company wrote, “This feature does not use a workaround; the connection is direct and peer-to-peer, meaning your data is never routed through a server, shared content is never logged, and no extra data is shared.”
When asked whether Apple contributed to the feature, Google made it clear that it did not. Moriconi explained, “We accomplished this through our own implementation.” He added, “Our implementation was thoroughly vetted by our own privacy and security teams, and we also engaged a third party security firm to pentest the solution.” Regarding Apple’s potential reaction, he said, “…we always welcome collaboration opportunities to address interoperability issues between iOS and Android.”
Security Testing and Independent Review
Google highlighted an independent security review conducted by NetSPI to support the feature’s safety. This evaluation was included proactively, anticipating any concerns Apple might raise. Apple has not yet shared its response.
Not Yet Available for All Android Devices
Right now, the feature is exclusive to the Pixel 10 family and has not rolled out across Android devices. Still, it is a major step toward better cross-platform sharing. AirDrop has long been one of Apple’s most convenient features, but it remained locked within the Apple ecosystem. Now, with RCS also active on iPhones, this move feels like another meaningful step toward smoother communication between platforms.
Google Shares More Insight on the Update
Google also explained why this feature matters for everyday users, noting that sharing important moments should be easy no matter which device someone owns. The company said Quick Share now works with AirDrop and is rolling out to the Pixel 10 lineup today.
Security played a major role during development. Google said the feature was designed “with security at its core, protecting your data with strong safeguards that were tested by independent security experts.” This builds on earlier improvements like RCS messaging and unknown tracker alerts.
Google plans to expand this capability to more Android devices and even showcased a demo on the Pixel 10 Pro, encouraging users to try it out.
