Pixel 9 officially joins Pixel 10 with Quick Share-AirDrop support

Source: Android Authority

Joe Maring / Android Authority

TL;DR

• Quick Share‑AirDrop interoperability is now official for the Pixel 9 series.
• Google says the feature will roll out over the next few weeks.
• The Pixel 9a still won’t support the cross‑platform file‑transfer feature.

Announcement

After weeks of hints and Canary‑build appearances, Google has officially confirmed that Quick Share‑AirDrop interoperability is rolling out widely to the Pixel 9 series. Compatibility with Apple’s AirDrop begins today for the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Compatibility

• Devices: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
• Works with: iPhones, iPads, and Macs using Apple’s “Everyone for 10 minutes” AirDrop mode.
• Mirrors native AirDrop behavior with direct, peer‑to‑peer transfers that do not route data through servers.

User Reports

Some users are already reporting that the feature appears on their phones, suggesting the rollout quietly began before today’s formal announcement.

How It Works

Quick Share now detects nearby Apple devices that have AirDrop set to “Everyone for 10 minutes.” When a file is shared, the two devices establish a direct Wi‑Fi/BLE link, encrypt the transfer, and complete the transfer without involving Google’s cloud infrastructure.

Privacy and Security

Google emphasizes that privacy and speed remain core priorities. The feature is built with multi‑layered security and strong safeguards, ensuring that only the intended recipient can receive the file.

Future Expansion

Google has also confirmed that Quick Share‑AirDrop support will eventually extend beyond Pixel devices. The company is working with Android OEMs to bring the functionality to many more Android phones later this year.

Rollout Timeline

The feature will be released in phases to Pixel 9 users over the coming weeks. Unfortunately, the Pixel 9a is not included in this rollout and will not support the cross‑platform file‑transfer feature at this time.