Samsung Galaxy AirDrop Support: Full List of Compatible Devices and Quick Share Features

In a monumental shift for the mobile industry, Samsung has officially bridged the gap between Android and iOS ecosystems. On March 23, the tech giant announced that it will integrate native AirDrop support directly into its Quick Share utility. This collaboration aims to eliminate the long-standing friction of transferring high-resolution files, photos, and videos between Samsung Galaxy devices and Apple products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

The First Wave: Galaxy S26 Series Lead the Way

Samsung has revealed that the upcoming Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and the flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra will be the first smartphones to feature this out-of-the-box compatibility. By leveraging the updated Quick Share protocol, these devices will be able to "see" and "send to" Apple devices appearing in the sharing menu, just as they would with other Samsung phones. This feature is set to arrive via a dedicated software update shortly after the hardware launch.

One UI 8.5: Bringing AirDrop to Older Galaxy Models

While the S26 series takes the spotlight, Samsung has not forgotten its existing user base. Industry insiders suggest that the cross-platform sharing capabilities will be a cornerstone of the One UI 8.5  or 9.0 update. This means that popular legacy models, including the S25 and S24 series, are likely to receive the feature in the coming months. Although an official timeline for older devices hasn't been published, the expansion is expected to be aggressive to compete with Google’s recent moves.

Samsung Follows Google in the Cross-Platform Race

Google initially broke the barrier by introducing AirDrop support to the Pixel 10 series, later extending it to the Pixel 9. Samsung has now become the second major Android manufacturer to embrace this interoperability. This move signifies a shift in the industry where user convenience is prioritized over "walled garden" ecosystems. The integration is expected to work bi-directionally, allowing Samsung users to receive files from iPhones just as easily as they send them.

Enhanced Productivity Across Tablets and Laptops

The utility of AirDrop on Galaxy isn't limited to smartphones. It is highly anticipated that the Galaxy Tab series and Galaxy Book laptops will also join the ecosystem. This would allow a creative professional to take a photo on an iPhone and instantly drop it onto a Galaxy Tab for editing, or send a document from a Galaxy smartphone to a Mac without needing third-party apps or cloud uploads.

Will the AirDrop feature work on older Samsung tablets?

Yes, it is expected that high-end tablets capable of running One UI 8.5, such as the Galaxy Tab S10 and S9 series, will eventually receive the update to support cross-platform sharing with Apple devices.

Do I need to install a separate app for this to work?

No, the functionality will be baked directly into the existing Quick Share menu. You will simply see Apple devices as available targets when you click the share icon on your files.

Is the file transfer speed the same as standard AirDrop?

Samsung aims to match the high-speed performance of AirDrop by using a combination of Bluetooth for discovery and Wi-Fi Direct for the actual data transfer, ensuring that even large 4K videos move quickly.

Can I send files from an iPhone to a Samsung phone?

Yes, the integration is designed to be bi-directional. Once the update is installed, your Samsung device should appear in the AirDrop list on an iPhone or iPad.

🔎 The arrival of AirDrop support on Samsung devices via Quick Share marks a turning point for mobile users worldwide. By breaking down the walls between Android and iOS, Samsung is providing its users with unprecedented flexibility and making the Galaxy ecosystem even more attractive to those who use a mix of different tech brands. As we move toward the launch of the Galaxy S26 and the rollout of One UI 8.5, the dream of a truly unified mobile experience is finally becoming a reality.