Samsung Expands Quick Share to AirDrop Support to Galaxy A Series and Older Flagships
Samsung's Quick Share to AirDrop feature, which enables seamless file transfers between Galaxy devices and Apple's iPhone and Mac ecosystem, is set to expand significantly beyond its initial rollout on the Galaxy S26 series. New evidence suggests that a wide range of Samsung smartphones, including popular mid-range Galaxy A models and older flagship devices, will soon gain this cross-platform capability.
Broadening Compatibility Across Samsung's Lineup
The expansion appears to be implemented through updates to Quick Share and related modules rather than full software updates. While these updates add the "Share with Apple devices" option to eligible phones, functionality is currently restricted to devices participating in the One UI 8.5 beta program. However, this indicates that broader availability is imminent once the stable version of One UI 8.5 rolls out.
Android 16 appears to be the baseline requirement for support, which encompasses numerous devices including the Galaxy S22 series and newer, recent foldable phones, and select Galaxy A models. Specifically, the Galaxy A56, Galaxy A55, and Galaxy A36 are confirmed to be eligible, with the Galaxy A35 likely to join them. Notably, older Galaxy A1x, A2x, and A4x models do not seem to qualify for this feature.
How Quick Share to AirDrop Works
Quick Share to AirDrop enables bidirectional file sharing between Samsung Galaxy devices and Apple products. Users can send photos, videos, documents, and other files from their Galaxy phone to iPhones and Macs, and vice versa. The feature operates similarly to Apple's native AirDrop, creating a direct wireless connection between devices for fast, secure transfers without requiring both parties to be on the same Wi-Fi network or use cellular data.
Initial testing on supported devices shows the feature works as advertised, with transfer speeds comparable to other wireless sharing methods. The implementation maintains the simplicity users expect from both Quick Share and AirDrop, with minimal setup required beyond enabling the feature in settings.
Strategic Move for Cross-Platform Connectivity
Bringing this capability to mid-range Galaxy A devices represents a strategic decision that significantly increases the feature's utility and reach. By not restricting it to premium flagships, Samsung ensures that millions more users can benefit from seamless cross-platform sharing, potentially reducing ecosystem lock-in barriers between Android and iOS users.
This expansion follows Google's implementation of similar functionality on Pixel devices, indicating a broader industry trend toward improving interoperability between competing mobile platforms. For Samsung users with friends or colleagues using Apple devices, this feature eliminates the need for third-party apps or cloud services for simple file transfers.
What Users Can Expect
Eligible device owners should watch for updates to Quick Share and related modules in the Galaxy Store or through system updates. While the feature may appear as an option before becoming fully functional, the complete experience will likely arrive with the stable release of One UI 8.5 for most supported devices.
Users who prefer not to manually update modules or participate in beta programs can wait for the official software update, which will enable the feature automatically. The expansion timeline hasn't been officially confirmed, but evidence suggests widespread availability could coincide with or follow shortly after the Galaxy S26 series' full feature deployment.
Conclusion
Samsung's decision to extend Quick Share to AirDrop compatibility beyond its latest flagships demonstrates a commitment to enhancing cross-platform functionality across its device portfolio. By including mid-range Galaxy A models and older premium devices, the company ensures that this practical feature reaches a substantial portion of its user base.
As mobile ecosystems continue to evolve, features that bridge platform gaps become increasingly valuable. This expansion not only benefits current Samsung users but could also influence purchasing decisions for consumers who frequently share files with Apple device users. While official confirmation of specific device eligibility and rollout timing is pending, the evidence points toward a significant enhancement coming to Samsung's file-sharing capabilities in the near future.