Google Pixel 10 phones can now share files with Apple device

Google Pixel 10 phones can now share files with Apple device
Google Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro Fold at Google event, Aug. 20, 2025.
Reuters

Google has announced a major update for its Pixel 10 series: owners can now send and receive files with Apple devices using AirDrop, without any collaboration from Apple. The new functionality applies to iPhones, iPads, and macOS devices, though for now it is limited to the Pixel 10 line.

According to Google spokesperson Alex Moriconi, the feature will roll out on Pixel 10 first, with plans to expand to other devices in the future.

To send a file from a Pixel 10 to an Apple device, the Apple device must be set to discoverable mode for up to 10 minutes. The Pixel owner can then locate the device using Google’s Quick Share and initiate the transfer. The Apple side receives a standard AirDrop request to approve the file transfer.

Transfers work in the opposite direction as well. Pixel 10 devices need to be in discoverable or receive mode, after which the Apple user can start an AirDrop transfer and the Pixel owner accepts.

Google emphasises that the implementation is direct and peer-to-peer, meaning files do not pass through servers, shared content is not logged, and no extra data is exchanged.

Moriconi confirmed that the feature was developed entirely by Google without Apple’s involvement. The solution underwent internal privacy and security vetting and was pentested by a third-party security firm to ensure safety.

“We accomplished this through our own implementation,” Moriconi said. “Our implementation was thoroughly vetted by our own privacy and security teams, and we also engaged a third party security firm to pentest the solution.”

While Google did not predict how Apple might respond, Moriconi added that the company “always welcomes collaboration opportunities to address interoperability issues between iOS and Android.”

The new feature makes it easier for users who switch between Android and Apple devices to share files without relying on third-party apps or cloud services. It’s also a notable move in cross-platform compatibility, traditionally limited by Apple’s proprietary ecosystem.

Currently, the interoperability is exclusive to the Pixel 10 series, but Google plans to extend the capability to other Pixel devices over time.

Tags