Google May Bring ‘Quick Share’ App to iPhone Soon

Google is reportedly working on expanding its wireless file-sharing tool, Quick Share, to Apple iPhones. Often compared to Apple’s AirDrop, Quick Share enables users to transfer photos, videos, and documents seamlessly using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. While AirDrop has been exclusive to Apple devices, Quick Share already works across Android, Windows, and ChromeOS. The possible addition of iPhone support could mark a big step toward true cross-platform file sharing.

What is Google Quick Share?

Quick Share was first launched by Google as an Android feature, designed to offer a smooth way to share files between devices without cables or third-party apps.

• It uses Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth for fast transfers.

• Currently, Quick Share supports Android-to-Android sharing, even without requiring users to log in.

• Google later extended support to Windows PCs and ChromeOS devices, broadening its ecosystem.

However, iOS devices have been left out, leaving Apple users with AirDrop as their only built-in option.

AirDrop vs Quick Share: The Key Differences

Apple’s AirDrop and Google’s Quick Share share the same goal — instant file sharing — but they differ in availability and flexibility.

• AirDrop is restricted to Apple’s ecosystem: iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

• Quick Share works on Android phones, Chromebooks, and Windows PCs.

• AirDrop does not require an account login, while Google is now testing account-linked sharing for iPhones.

If Google successfully brings Quick Share to iOS, it would provide users with end-to-end encrypted transfers between Android and iPhone — something AirDrop cannot do outside Apple’s ecosystem.

How iPhone Support Was Discovered

According to Android Authority, clues hidden within Google Play Services indicate that Quick Share is being tested for iOS compatibility.

• A hidden pop-up revealed that iPhone users may soon have the option to send and receive files securely.

• Unlike current Android-to-Android transfers, iPhone sharing may require Google account sign-in for authentication.

• The transfer method will likely be end-to-end encrypted, ensuring privacy and security.

This leak suggests Google is preparing to bring true cross-platform wireless sharing for the first time.

Cross-Platform Alternatives: What Exists Today?

Currently, there are limited solutions for Android-to-iPhone file sharing beyond cloud services or third-party apps.

• Oppo’s O+ Connect is one example that attempts to bridge the gap. It allows file transfers between iOS and Android but requires:

  • Installation of an app on Apple devices.

  • Logging in with an OPPO account.

  • Manual setup, which reduces the seamlessness.

• Other third-party apps exist, but they often come with ads, slower speeds, or privacy risks.

These workarounds highlight the lack of a universal standard for instant cross-platform sharing — something Google Quick Share could finally solve.

Why This Matters for Users

The arrival of Quick Share on iPhones could reshape how people share content:

1. Cross-platform freedom – Android and iPhone users could finally exchange files without email, cloud uploads, or third-party apps.

2. Productivity boost – Professionals and students using mixed ecosystems (Windows + iPhone or Android + Mac) could benefit greatly.

3. Stronger competition – Apple may face pressure to open AirDrop beyond its ecosystem if Quick Share gains traction.

Such a move would not only improve user convenience but also challenge Apple’s long-standing ecosystem lock-in.

What to Expect Next

While there is no official launch timeline yet, the hidden features found in Google Play Services strongly suggest active development.

• Google could announce iOS compatibility in the coming months.

• Features may roll out gradually, starting with beta testing.

• Wider integration with Google accounts will likely be central to this rollout.

If successful, Google Quick Share on iPhones would mark the first mainstream cross-platform alternative to AirDrop.

Conclusion

Google’s Quick Share already works across Android, Windows, and ChromeOS, but its possible expansion to iPhones could be a game-changer in wireless file sharing. By enabling encrypted, cross-platform transfers, Google may finally offer a seamless alternative to AirDrop — bridging the gap between Android and iOS users. More updates are expected soon, but if Quick Share lands on iPhones, it could set a new standard for wireless connectivity across devices.