Google’s Quick Share may soon let Android users send files to iPhones

Google’s Quick Share, a convenient tool for transferring files across Android devices, Chromebooks, and Windows PCs, may soon bridge the gap with Apple devices. Traditionally, iPhones and Macs have relied on AirDrop for instant sharing of photos, videos, and documents, while Android users have had to depend on workarounds or third-party apps when crossing platforms. Recent findings suggest that could change. According to Android Authority, code hints indicate that Google is developing Quick Share support for iOS and macOS, potentially giving Android users a direct way to share files with Apple devices.

References to iOS and macOS first appeared last year in Google’s Nearby Connections framework, which underpins Quick Share. At the time, it was unclear whether these were minor updates or the beginning of broader support. Now, a beta version of Google Play Services, version 25.34.31, explicitly mentions Quick Share for iPhones. The feature appears to require signing in with a Google account, which is not mandatory on Android. This requirement may relate to privacy controls, such as device visibility to contacts, or could be specific to iOS functionality.

Quick Share, initially launched as Nearby Share in 2020, enables fast, wireless transfers over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth without an internet connection. It supports individual files and large folders, comes preloaded on most Android phones and Chromebooks, and a Windows client was added in 2023. Expanding to iOS and macOS would be a natural next step, though convincing iPhone users to install a separate Google app could be challenging given AirDrop is built into Apple devices.

The sign-in requirement may address this by streamlining permissions. Unlike Android, iOS lacks a background services framework similar to Play Services, so Quick Share would likely function as a standalone app. While additional permissions may be needed, seamless cross-platform sharing could appeal to users frustrated with using email, cloud services, or messaging apps for simple file transfers.