A long-standing barrier between Android and Apple users is finally falling. Samsung has announced a significant expansion of its One UI 8.5 beta program, which includes a highly anticipated feature: AirDrop-to-Android support via Quick Share. This means many Samsung Galaxy device owners will soon be able to seamlessly send files directly to iPhones, iPads, and Macs, making cross-platform sharing easier than ever before.
Bridging the Gap: Quick Share and AirDrop
Quick Share is Samsung’s proprietary peer-to-peer file sharing service, which recently merged with Google’s Nearby Share to create a unified Android sharing experience. Traditionally, sharing files between Android and iOS devices has been a cumbersome process, often requiring third-party apps, cloud services, or email. However, Samsung is now integrating AirDrop compatibility directly into Quick Share, allowing for direct and fast transfers to Apple devices.
This new functionality enables Galaxy users to send photos, videos, documents, and more to any Apple device that supports AirDrop, including iPhones, Macs, and iPads. The process is designed to be as straightforward as sharing between two Android devices, marking a major step forward for mobile interoperability.
Which Galaxy Devices Are Getting This Feature?
The AirDrop-compatible Quick Share feature is initially rolling out with the Galaxy S26 series. However, Samsung has confirmed that support for AirDrop through Quick Share is also being introduced in the One UI 8.5 beta for a wide range of other Galaxy devices.
- Galaxy S Series: Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy S24 series, and the Galaxy S23 series (including S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, and S23 FE).
- Galaxy Z Fold/Flip Series: Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold5, and Galaxy Z Flip5.
- Galaxy A Series: The Galaxy A36 5G is also included in the One UI 8.5 beta, marking a first for an A-series device in a major One UI beta program. Other A-series devices like the Galaxy A55, A35, and A54 are also expected to join the beta or receive the update.
To access this feature, devices will need to be running One UI 8.5 and have updated Quick Share components from both the Google Play Store and Galaxy Apps stores. The One UI 8.5 beta program is expanding in phases across markets like India, Korea, the UK, and the US.
How to Enable Quick Share for Apple Devices
Once your compatible Samsung Galaxy device is updated to One UI 8.5 and you have the latest Quick Share apps, enabling this cross-platform sharing is simple. Navigate to your device’s Settings, then tap on Connected Devices, and select Quick Share. Here, you should find a new toggle labeled “Share with Apple devices.” Turn this on to activate the functionality.
For successful transfers, the Apple device receiving the files will need to have its AirDrop settings temporarily set to “Everyone for 10 Minutes.” This ensures visibility between the two different ecosystems. You can learn more about Quick Share on Samsung’s official website: Samsung Quick Share.
What This Means for Android Users
This update is a monumental step towards breaking down the walled garden of mobile ecosystems. For years, the inability to easily share files between Android and iOS has been a point of frustration for many users. Samsung’s integration of AirDrop support into Quick Share means Galaxy users no longer need to rely on cumbersome workarounds, making file transfers as simple as a few taps.
This move significantly enhances the convenience and overall user experience for Samsung Galaxy owners, fostering a more connected and less restrictive mobile environment. It also highlights a growing trend towards greater interoperability in the tech world, benefiting consumers across platforms. For more details on Android’s sharing capabilities, visit the official Android website.
Conclusion
The expansion of Samsung’s One UI 8.5 beta and the inclusion of AirDrop-to-Android support via Quick Share is truly a game-changer for Galaxy users. This long-awaited feature simplifies file sharing between Samsung devices and Apple’s ecosystem, making interactions smoother and more efficient. As this functionality rolls out to more devices, it promises a future where sharing content is universally seamless, regardless of your smartphone’s operating system.
