AirDrop is formally coming quickly to the Galaxy S26 sequence

One of many bulletins that basically stunned me from Google final yr got here in November, when it revealed that Android’s Quick Share now works with Apple’s AirDrop on the Pixel 10 sequence. In different phrases, when you have a Pixel 10, now you can simply share recordsdata and images by way of QuickShare with iPhone customers utilizing AirDrop — and vice versa.

Given how tightly Apple protects its ecosystem, seeing an Android function work successfully alongside an iOS one was sudden, and it felt like a possible glimpse of a extra interoperable future.

That stated, assist continues to be fairly restricted. Solely a handful of Android units presently supply Fast Share compatibility with AirDrop, together with the Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 sequence. Whereas Google has stated broader support is coming, we have not seen it materialize but, although it appears Samsung would be the first to get it accomplished.

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 sequence this month, there was some hope it might embody AirDrop assist out of the field — however that did not occur. Fortuitously, although, Samsung has confirmed that it is coming very quickly.

Samsung is updating the S26 sequence to assist AirDrop

Extra Galaxy units will observe

Samsung has introduced an upcoming replace for the Galaxy S26 sequence that brings AirDrop assist to Fast Share, with the rollout set to start on March 23.

As soon as the replace lands, you’ll be able to allow the function by heading to Settings > Linked Gadgets > Share with Apple units, the place you may discover a toggle to show AirDrop assist on.

Whereas the Galaxy S26 sequence would be the first Galaxy telephones to assist AirDrop, compatibility will not cease there. Different Galaxy units have been confirmed to obtain assist for it will definitely as properly, although Samsung hasn’t shared a transparent timeline but.

Although actually, I would not be stunned if Samsung waits for its subsequent main software program launch — probably One UI 9 based mostly on Android 17 — and makes use of that as the chance to convey AirDrop assist to Fast Share on extra of its units. Although that is fully hypothesis on my half.

Different main Android cellphone makers, together with Nothing and Oppo, are additionally working so as to add AirDrop assist to Fast Share. Oppo just lately stated that its AirDrop by way of Fast Share assist ought to roll out this month, however that is still to be seen.

All in all, whereas the rollout of Fast Share compatibility with AirDrop has been gradual, it is thrilling nonetheless, and hopefully, by the tip of the yr, there shall be a for much longer checklist of Android units that truly assist AirDrop.