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Google Pixel 8a Beats Flagship Siblings to Receive Apple AirDrop Compatibility

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Google Pixel 8a Beats Flagship Siblings to Receive Apple AirDrop Compatibility

In a surprising move, Google’s latest Quick Share AirDrop compatibility feature has started rolling out to the Google Pixel 8a, leapfrogging the more expensive Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro flagships. According to a report from Android Authority, Google’s Quick Share now supports direct file exchange with Apple’s AirDrop, making cross-platform file sharing between Android devices and iPhones, iPads, or Macs completely seamless.

The update enables Quick Share to interface directly with Apple devices that have AirDrop active. Currently, Google has activated this capability for several Pixel models, including the Pixel 10 series (Pixel 10, Pro, XL, Fold, 10a), the Pixel 9 series (Pixel 9, Pro, XL, Fold, 9a), and the mid-range Google Pixel 8a. Curiously, while the budget-friendly 8a has received the update, users of the older, premium Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are still waiting. Some Pixel 8 Pro owners have noticed a new “Quick Share Extension” app on their devices, which is required for Quick Share AirDrop compatibility, but the actual file transfer feature remains disabled pending a backend server-side switch from Google.

Under the hood, the feature relies on a new “mosey_server” file discovered in the device firmware, which coordinates the communication between Android and Apple’s wireless protocols. This background service makes cross-platform file sharing possible without third-party apps.

A growing list of devices already support this cross-platform sharing capability, including Samsung’s Galaxy S26, S25, and S24 series, their recent Z Flip and Fold series (including Z Flip 6/7, Fold 6/7, and Z TriFold), Xiaomi’s 17T Pro, OnePlus 15, and multiple premium devices from OPPO, vivo, and Honor. Google has also promised that Motorola’s Razr Fold 2026, the OPPO Find X8 series, and the Honor Magic 8 Pro will join the list in the near future.

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