Samsung has begun preparations to expand native file sharing functionality with Apple devices to previous generations of its smartphones. Após the successful debut of AirDrop compatibility in the Galaxy S26 line, new technical reports indicate that models from the Galaxy S22, S23, S24 and S25 series will be next in line. The move represents a milestone in interoperability between the Android and iOS ecosystems, enabling quick transfers of photos and documents without the need for third-party apps.
The technical implementation occurs through an update to the Quick Share system, which now communicates directly with the Apple proprietary protocol. Testes carried out in South Korean and Brazilian units demonstrated that the transfer speed maintains the stability found between devices of the same brand. The release schedule should follow the One UI update cycle, reaching millions of users globally in the coming months.
- Expansion confirmed for models launched from 2022 onwards.
- Direct integration between the Quick Share and AirDrop protocols.
- Availability linked to the update to the One UI 8.5 interface.
- Initial operation focused on photos, videos and light documents.
- Guaranteed support for users in the Brazilian and international markets.
Technical functioning of integration between systems
The convergence between Quick Share’s Samsung and Apple’s AirDrop utilizes a combination of low-power Bluetooth for sensing and Wi-Fi Essa architecture allows the Galaxy device to identify a nearby iPhone almost instantly by displaying the default share icon in the user interface. Security is maintained through end-to-end encryption, ensuring that files are not intercepted during their wireless journey between devices from different manufacturers.
The pairing process has been simplified to avoid historical barriers that isolated competing operating systems. Usuários owners of older models, such as the Galaxy S22, have reported the appearance of new lines of code and hidden menu options in beta versions of the operating system. Embora function still appears inactive in some regions, the necessary structure for data traffic is already present in the most recent firmware distributed by Galaxy Store.
Compatible models and software requirements
The list of devices that will receive the new feature covers four generations of the South Korean manufacturer’s premium family, guaranteeing longevity to the products. Além of the Galaxy S26 line, which already has the operational resource in the Brasil, the Galaxy S25, S24, S23 and S22 models are in the priority distribution queue. Aparelhos of the foldable lines, such as the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip from the fourth generation onwards, must also be included in the expansion pack due to hardware compatible with network requirements.
To access the functionality, the user will need to ensure that the device is operating with the final version of One UI 8.5 or higher. Esta version of the software brings specific optimizations to the connection manager, reducing latency when sending large files to Apple tablets and smartphones. Samsung recommends that device visibility permissions are set to “Everyone” or “Contacts” to facilitate mutual discovery between systems.
Benefits for productivity and everyday use
The end of the transfer barrier between Galaxy and iPhone solves one of the biggest productivity bottlenecks in corporate and academic environments. Grupos workers using mixed devices can now share high-resolution materials without the compression common in instant messaging applications. The time savings are significant, eliminating steps such as uploading to cloud services or sending emails with heavy attachments.
In everyday life, the new feature makes it easier to record social events where different people use different brands of smartphones to capture moments. Transferring a 4K video, for example, takes place in seconds through the direct connection established between the Quick Share and AirDrop. Esta functionality reinforces Samsung’s strategy of keeping its previous model users engaged with the brand’s latest software innovations.
Transition to One UI 8.5
The official arrival of AirDrop support is intrinsically linked to the release of One UI 8.5, expected in the second quarter of 2026. The icons were redesigned to follow the visual identity of the One UI, maintaining the sobriety and clarity required by the company’s aesthetic standard.
During the beta testing phase, some users noticed that the feature can be manually enabled in developer menus, although stability is not yet guaranteed. The company plans a gradual rollout across regions, starting with Ásia and América from Norte, followed quickly by América Latina and Europa. Error monitoring at this stage is crucial to avoid connection failures that could compromise the experience of using the Galaxy ecosystem.
History of collaboration and network standardization
The opening of Samsung to external protocols reflects a global trend towards standardization in short-range communication technologies. In the past, isolation between brands was seen as a customer retention tool, but the demand for interoperability forced a change of stance in the sector’s giants. Technical collaboration, although indirect, allows mobile device radio standards to operate on harmonized frequencies to ensure mutual detection.
Industry experts indicate that this movement could precede an even greater opening for other devices in the Android ecosystem. Marcas that use the Quick Share base as a transfer standard can also benefit from the bridges created by Samsung with the Apple system. Essa democratization of access to transfer technologies benefits the end consumer, who gains freedom of choice without losing essential connectivity features.
Impact on the used smartphone market
The value of models such as the Galaxy S22 and S23 tends to increase with the inclusion of modern software features via updates. Consumidores who opt for pre-owned devices now have the guarantee that premium features from current lines will be ported to older hardware. Isso extends the useful life cycle of products and reduces the premature disposal of electronics, in line with the manufacturer’s sustainability goals.
The Brazilian resale market tends to react positively to updates that bring connectivity features with the Apple ecosystem. The perceived value of an Galaxy S24, for example, matches that of recent launches when the software offers parity of functions with high-end models. Essa loyalty strategy ensures that the user base remains on the Android platform, even in the face of strong competition migration campaigns.
Procedures for updating and data security
Owners of compatible Galaxy devices should monitor system and Galaxy Store notifications in the coming weeks. The Quick Share application update is the first component to be delivered, setting the stage for full activation via the operating system. It is recommended that you perform a data backup before major interface updates, although the AirDrop integration process is focused exclusively on the wireless communication layer.
Regarding privacy, Samsung ensures that AirDrop support does not grant extra permissions to access the smartphone’s file system. The user maintains full control over which files they want to send and must manually authorize the receipt of any content from third parties. Standard security barriers, such as incoming stranger blocking, continue to operate normally to prevent the sending of unwanted content in public places.