AirDrop support for older Galaxy S devices is getting closer

Samsung Galaxy Devices Nearing AirDrop Compatibility: Quick Share Expands Cross-Platform Sharing

For years, Apple's AirDrop has stood as the benchmark for effortless local file sharing between devices. While Android manufacturers, including Samsung, have developed their own solutions, none have quite achieved AirDrop's widespread adoption and seamless user experience. However, a significant shift is now underway. Following its debut on the latest Samsung Galaxy S26 series (S26, S26+, S26 Ultra), which run stable One UI 8.5, Samsung's proprietary Quick Share feature is set to bring official AirDrop compatibility to a wider array of older Galaxy S models, bridging a long-standing gap in cross-platform connectivity.

"Share with Apple Devices" Toggle Appears in Quick Share Settings

Excitement is building among the Samsung Galaxy community as numerous users are reporting the appearance of a new "Share with Apple devices" toggle within their Quick Share settings. This promising development indicates that the highly anticipated cross-platform sharing functionality is imminent. While the toggle is now visible on many devices, some users note that the feature is not yet fully operational across the board. If you're a Galaxy owner eager to check your device, navigate to your Quick Share settings and ensure you also look for updates via the Samsung Store app.

AirDrop Support Reaching a Broad Range of Older Galaxy S Models

The current wave of reports confirms that this AirDrop integration is extending to a diverse range of older Galaxy S devices, specifically those from the S25, S24, S23, and S22 generations. Interestingly, while many of these users are currently running the One UI 8.5 beta, some are still operating on the stable One UI 8.0. This staggered rollout hints at a potential test phase, suggesting Samsung may be meticulously validating the feature and awaiting the full, stable release of One UI 8.5 before a widespread activation.

Industry-Wide Push for Enhanced Interoperability

Samsung's move is not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader industry trend toward greater device interoperability, partly influenced by regulatory pressures. Last year, the European Union actively campaigned for Apple to open up core iOS features, including AirDrop, to third-party devices. This regulatory push has already seen Google introduce AirDrop support to its Pixel 10 series last year, followed by the Pixel 9 series in February. Oppo has also committed to bringing AirDrop compatibility to its smartphones, commencing with the Find X9 series. Samsung's integration further solidifies this shift towards a more connected and seamlessly cross-platform mobile ecosystem.

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