Samsung’s latest update allows Apple (hardware) users to transfer (wireless) files.
Now Samsung users can wirelessly transfer using the Quick Share system on their devices without having to configure anything new after installing the Samsung Quick Share application.
The Galaxy S26 lineup will be the first smartphones to receive this new feature that supports wirelessly transferring files between the Galaxy and Apple devices using the same protocols currently used by Samsung products in conjunction with Apple’s AirDrop.
Over the years file-sharing (Android and Apple) users have had difficulty transferring files between each other’s devices without first transferring the file onto a compatible third-party application that supports both ecosystems (e.g., WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.).
By allowing users of the same application across incompatible platforms to connect together, it makes it easier for Samsung and Apple users to transfer files from an Apple product to a Samsung product and vice versa through the use of a third-party application as the backend for providing access to the files being transferred.
Quick Share Meets AirDrop
Samsung has announced an addition to the Quick Share application that permits users of the Galaxy S26 series to transfer files to an Apple device in proximity via WiFi Direct.
This new capability acts the same way as AirDrop does among Apple devices, including iPhone and iPad, Mac, and so on.
With this enhanced feature, Samsung users can transfer pictures, documents, and other types of data to nearby Apple devices through WiFi Direct — as long as both devices are within WiFi distance and both devices have been made available/discoverable to each other.
Currently, this is only supported by the three new devices that comprise the Galaxy S26 family—the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Rollout Begins In South Korea
South Korea is where Samsung was able to start rolling out their latest updates to devices. They indicated that the United States would have access within days, with most of the other regions getting access later. Other countries in Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and Latin America are still working on testing their updates but will get them after Samsung proves out their system with South Korean customers. Potentially, more Galaxy devices may become eligible for use once there is a successful test run of the new additions.
Feature Must Be Enabled Manually
Like many other types of transfers done using Quick Share, the use of Apple devices as an enhancement through compatibility with Apple devices is not automatically set up when setting up Quick Share on a Samsung device unless the user does so through the device’s settings. This can be done by going to Settings on your Samsung device, selecting Connected Devices and clicking Quick Share to view the menu options to enable transfer between Apple devices. To do so, both mobile phones being transferred between must be set to the visible by nearby option, which is set to Everyone. After enabling transfer functionality, the user should be able to locate and connect to compatible mobile devices within proximity, and the file transfer should take place very quickly and efficiently.
Google’s Technology Behind The Scenes
Samsung has closely followed Google’s recent announcement. The search engine giant added a new feature that allows Android mobile devices to share files in an AirDrop-like manner on the Pixel 10 series last year, and this feature was then rolled out to the Pixel 9 series earlier in 2022. With this new capability, Samsung is the second major Android manufacturer to implement a similar file-sharing service across platforms.
Important Software Requirement
To use the feature, you will need Google Play Services. In other words, you’ll need Google Play Services version 26.11.xx and above to ensure your ability to transfer data to devices using AirDrop-like copying.
As of today, many devices still use version 26.10.xx of Google Play Services. The new version is in the stable versioning process, and users will receive this version over the next several weeks.
Users can check for updates to Google Play Services via the Google Play Services application in the Play Store. Some technologically savvy users may try to install Google Play Services manually through sideloading, but experts caution against this method due to potential security and compatibility issues.
A Step Toward A More Open Ecosystem
For years, Apple and Android ecosystems have remained largely separated when it comes to quick file transfers.
Apple’s AirDrop worked only within its own devices, while Android manufacturers developed their own sharing systems.
By enabling cross-platform transfers, Samsung is signalling a broader shift in how smartphone companies approach interoperability.
While the feature is still new and limited to select devices, it marks a meaningful step toward easier communication between the world’s two largest mobile ecosystems.
Also Read Samsung Launches ‘Galaxy Forever’ to Make Flagship Phones More Accessible in India
