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Samsung expands AirDrop compatibility on Galaxy S26 and earlier models

Galaxy S26 Ultra-
Photo: Galaxy S26 Ultra - Divulgação

Samsung has started releasing a feature that allows direct file sharing between Galaxy smartphones and Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads and Macs. The feature integrates with Quick Share, Android’s native sharing platform, and marks a significant advance in interoperability between the two rival mobile ecosystems. The Galaxy S26 series received the update first, with rollout starting on March 23, 2026 on the Coreia from the Sul, followed by gradual expansion to global markets, including the Brasil.

Como works integration between Quick Share and AirDrop

The sharing process maintains the simplicity characteristic of both platforms. When selecting a file on Galaxy, the user finds an additional option to send to nearby Apple devices. On the Android side, the infrastructure uses the already consolidated Quick Share, while on iOS, reception occurs via traditional AirDrop. Fotos, videos and documents can be transferred in seconds as long as devices are nearby with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.

Samsung
Samsung – Joana Stock/ Shutterstock.com

The solution eliminates the need for third-party apps or cloud services for quick sharing between users of different brands. Famílias and work groups that switch between Galaxy and iPhone gain practicality in everyday life, especially in professional environments where changing materials is frequent.

Expansão for Galaxy models prior to S26

Recent Relatos reports indicate that Samsung distributes Quick Share updates to devices such as Galaxy S22, S23, S24 and S25. Essas updates bring the option to share with Apple devices directly in the Quick Share interface, even on devices that have not yet received the final version of One UI 8.5. Usuários who installed the updates via Galaxy Store already observe the new configuration on their devices.

  • Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra receive functionality first via software update.
  • Modelos Galaxy S22, S23, S24, and S25 receive partially supported Quick Share module updates.
  • Global Rollout includes regions such as Europa, América Latina, and Sudeste Asiático.

However, the feature still does not operate completely in all tested cases. Alguns owners of Galaxy S22 to S25 report that the option appears after updating, but actual shipping to iPhones still does not occur. Esse behavior suggests that Samsung releases the module gradually, possibly with server activation or additional tweaks to the One UI.

Compatibility Tendência between Android and iOS

Google began work on compatibility between Quick Share and AirDrop at the end of 2025, starting with the Pixel 10 line. Samsung follows this movement by implementing the functionality first in the Galaxy S26 series, reflecting a broader trend of rapprochement between the main mobile platforms. The objective is to simplify the exchange of content in environments with devices from different brands, reducing barriers between ecosystems.

Empresas like Samsung and Google work with partners to expand the tool’s reach. The integration respects the security protocols of each platform, maintaining user privacy during the transfer. The solution avoids consuming data in the cloud and offers faster speeds than traditional sharing methods.

Cronograma activation and next steps

The release of One UI 8.5 in the second quarter of 2026 should consolidate support on more devices. Essa operating system version of Samsung typically includes improvements in connectivity and file sharing. The company confirms that initial support is restricted to the S26 line, with expansion to other models to be announced later.

Testes community members indicate that the resource should gain stability with the next versions of the software. Usuários interested parties can check the availability of updates directly in the Galaxy Store application or in the Quick Share settings. Samsung advises owners of previous models to keep the software updated to receive the improvements as soon as they are available in their regions.