In November 2025, Google and Apple finally established a connection with Quick Share (formerly Nearby Share) and AirDrop on the Pixel 10 series. For the first time ever, an Android phone can directly send files to an iPhone using Apple’s AirDrop protocol without third-party apps and cables.
Although it required a Quick Share extension delivered through a Google Play system update, it works natively once installed. Google has started rolling the same AirDrop interoperability to the Pixel 9 series. For select users, it's your lucky day if you own one.
Pixel 9 and 10 series can now share with iPhones
Excited Reddit users have shared how AirDrop-Quick Share interoperability is now working on their Pixel 9 phones. They can see nearby iPhones inside Quick Share and successfully send photos and files. Some are even reporting it works on the stable Android build, not just Canary or beta versions.
Starting today, we are bringing Quick Share compatibility with AirDrop® to the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold! The feature will roll out over the coming weeks in phases.
This expansion makes sharing high-resolution files with friends on iPhone, iPad or macOS devices simpler than ever before.
Privacy and speed remain a priority, as the feature is engineered with multi-layered security at its foundation.
Google.
If you have a Google Pixel 10 series device or a Pixel 9 that’s received the rollout, access Quick Share from the Quick Settings panel. Then choose to Send or Receive files. Your device will automatically detect iPhones.
Make sure your phone is updated and both devices are connected via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Also check the Play Store for an update for Quick Share or related Google services. The interoperability feature depends on a backend extension that installs through system updates.
To install it, go to settings and search for System services. Then scroll to the Available Updates section. Then tap Quick Share Extension and select Update.
On the iPhone, enable AirDrop and change its settings to Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 minutes. Open a file on either device and share via Quick Share or AirDrop.
Pixel 9a excluded from AirDrop-Quick Share connection
The Pixel 9a is currently excluded from AirDrop interoperability. Neither Google nor Apple has explained exactly why. Hence, the feature is limited to Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Although the 9a model is part of the Pixel 9 family, it's also part of Google’s A-series midrange line. It's been tradition to stagger or limit advanced ecosystem features to flagship devices first, especially when they involve deeper system-level integrations or new extensions.
The latest Pixel 10a model seems to be an exception as it launched after Google had already built native AirDrop interoperability into Quick Share on the flagship models.
For now, it's unclear whether Google plans to include the 9a in the wider rollout, and what the plan is for other Android devices. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold was initially excluded from the rollout, but the community announcement has since been updated to include it.
