Google Prepares AirDrop Compatibility for Pixel 9 Quick Share

Google has begun laying the groundwork to extend its Quick Share feature's compatibility with Apple's AirDrop to the Pixel 9 series, according to recent developments in Android's early software builds. The addition of necessary system files in a January 8, 2026, Android Canary release signals that the cross-platform file-sharing capability, previously limited to the Pixel 10 lineup, could soon reach more users.

The feature allows seamless transfer of files, such as photos and documents, between Android devices and iPhones when they are in close proximity, without relying on third-party apps or workarounds. Initially announced in November 2025, the interoperability was rolled out exclusively to Pixel 10 devices running Android 16. This marked a significant step in bridging the gap between Google's ecosystem and Apple's, enabling direct sharing akin to AirDrop's functionality on iOS.

Developers and analysts examining the Canary build ZP11.251212.007 discovered that Google incorporated the same system files used on Pixel 10 models into the firmware for the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. These files handle the underlying protocols for Quick Share to...