Apple testing 30-day AirDrop pairing feature in iOS 26.2 for smoother, more private file sharing

Apple iPhones

Apple’s upcoming iOS 26.2 update may bring a major convenience boost to AirDrop, with a new feature that allows paired devices to stay discoverable to each other for up to 30 days. The change is aimed at users who frequently transfer files between personal or trusted devices but don’t want to keep AirDrop visibility open to everyone.

According to details found in the iOS 26.2 developer beta, the new option would let users link two devices by entering a short PIN. Once connected, the devices would remain visible to each other in AirDrop for the next 30 days, eliminating the need to repeatedly toggle the “Everyone for 10 minutes” mode.

Currently, AirDrop only offers three visibility settings — Receiving Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone for 10 Minutes. This potential fourth option would strike a balance between convenience and privacy, giving users a way to maintain a secure, long-term pairing without opening up to unsolicited AirDrop requests.

The feature isn’t live yet in the first developer beta and may change before the public rollout. However, Apple’s continued focus on refining AirDrop privacy suggests this could be part of a broader redesign of the sharing system.

Over the years, Apple has introduced multiple updates to prevent misuse of AirDrop, especially in public spaces. This new pairing option would be particularly useful for users transferring files frequently between personal devices, family members, or trusted collaborators, while maintaining control over visibility settings.