Samsung is bringing AirDrop-like file sharing to several popular mid-range Galaxy A series phones, marking a significant step in cross-platform compatibility for Android users. The updated Quick Share feature, which now supports direct file transfers to Apple devices, is expanding beyond Samsung's flagship S26 series to include models such as the Galaxy A56, Galaxy A55, and Galaxy A36. This development makes it easier for millions of users to share photos, videos, and documents between their Samsung Android devices and iPhones, iPads, or Macs.
Unified Sharing Arrives on Galaxy A
The rollout of AirDrop compatibility is part of a broader evolution of Android's file-sharing capabilities. For years, Android offered a fragmented experience with various manufacturers developing their own solutions. Samsung introduced Quick Share in 2020 as its proprietary method for fast transfers between Galaxy devices. Simultaneously, Google developed Nearby Share, aiming for a unified sharing system across all Android devices. In a pivotal move at CES 2024, Google and Samsung announced a merger of these two technologies under the Quick Share brand, creating a singular, cross-Android sharing experience.This unified Quick Share is now available on Android 6+ devices, Chromebooks, and select Windows PCs, offering a consistent and streamlined way to share files across a wide ecosystem.[cnet+2]
The latest update to Quick Share, released around March 28, 2026, enhances this experience further. It introduces a "Your Devices" option, allowing users to securely send files only to their own connected devices.The update also expands sharing capabilities to include app content, such as reminders, camera presets, photo filters, and stickers, making Quick Share more versatile for daily use.The user interface of the Share Panel has also been refined, now displaying nearby devices from left to right for easier selection.These improvements are bringing an AirDrop-like experience to older Galaxy devices running One UI 8.5 Beta, with some One UI 8.0 users also reporting access to the new features.[sammyfans+3]
Cross-Platform Connectivity Expands
The most anticipated aspect of this update for many users is the ability to directly share files with Apple devices. This functionality, often referred to as "Quick Share to AirDrop support," was initially launched for the Galaxy S26 series starting March 23, 2026.However, Samsung is now expanding this crucial interoperability to a wider range of devices, including its popular mid-range Galaxy A series. Reports indicate that the Galaxy A56, Galaxy A55, and Galaxy A36 are confirmed to receive this feature, and it is likely that the Galaxy A35 will also be supported.This means that users of these mid-range phones will no longer need cumbersome third-party apps or cloud services to send files to friends or family using iPhones or Macs.[news+4]
To utilize this feature, Galaxy users simply select their files, tap the share icon, and choose the Quick Share option. If an Apple device is nearby and has AirDrop enabled with its visibility set to "Everyone," it will appear as a recipient.The transfer then proceeds directly, similar to how AirDrop functions between Apple devices, without requiring internet connectivity for the actual file transfer. This seamless integration marks a significant shift in mobile file sharing, bridging a long-standing gap between Android and iOS ecosystems. While the functionality is enabled by default once the update arrives, users can manage it through their device settings under Connected Devices > Quick Share > Share with Apple Devices.[youtube+3]
Technical Foundation and Future Outlook
The expansion of Quick Share's capabilities, particularly its AirDrop compatibility, relies on a compatibility layer rather than a direct integration of Apple's proprietary system.This technical approach allows for communication between the two different protocols, facilitating direct peer-to-peer file transfers. The underlying requirement for this "Share with Apple devices" functionality appears to be Android 16, which serves as the baseline for support across various Galaxy devices.This indicates that devices running older Android versions may not be eligible for this specific cross-platform sharing feature.[futurefive+2]
Samsung and Google are continuously working to enhance Quick Share, with future developments already on the horizon. Evidence from leaked builds of Samsung's One UI 9 and Android 17 suggests the integration of an NFC-based "Tap to Share" feature.This upcoming functionality, reminiscent of Apple's NameDrop, would allow users to initiate file transfers by simply bringing two devices close together. NFC would likely trigger the connection, with Quick Share handling the high-speed file transfer over Wi-Fi Direct.This would further streamline the sharing process, making it even more intuitive and reducing the steps currently involved in discovering and selecting devices.[androidpolice+3]
The ongoing evolution of Quick Share, particularly its availability on a broader range of Galaxy A devices and its growing interoperability, signifies a commitment from Samsung and Google to a more unified and user-friendly Android experience. These updates simplify daily interactions and enhance the value of mid-range smartphones by providing premium features that were once exclusive to flagship models or entirely different ecosystems. The increasing ease of sharing files across diverse platforms benefits consumers by removing technological barriers and fostering greater connectivity.
