Apple’s AirDrop—long one of the iPhone’s most talked-about advantages—can now be used by a small number of Android smartphones in France, allowing them to send files using Apple’s wireless sharing system.
For years, AirDrop has been one of the clearest day-to-day experience gaps between iPhone and Android: a fast, near-instant way to share photos and files with someone nearby. Apple users have routinely pointed to it as a reason the company’s ecosystem feels smoother.
Until now, that kind of quick, built-in nearby sharing via AirDrop has largely been out of reach for Android owners. The French report says that’s starting to change—though only for a limited set of devices.
A limited AirDrop opening reaches select Android phones
Apple’s AirDrop “stronghold is starting to crack,” the article says. Some Android smartphones can now transmit files via AirDrop, breaking an exclusivity Apple has maintained since the feature launched.
This is not described as a full opening of AirDrop to all Android devices. Instead, it’s a targeted step that could still be a meaningful shift for part of the Android user base—especially for people who regularly share files in person.
Access is currently restricted to a specific list of smartphones. Only those models can use the feature right now, according to the report.
A long-standing ecosystem advantage starts to erode
The arrival of AirDrop on Android is framed as a symbolic turning point. For nearly a decade, the simple act of sharing a file by bringing two phones close together has represented Apple’s reputation for tight integration across its devices.
Android users, by contrast, have often had to rely on Bluetooth, email, third-party apps, or USB cables—workarounds that add friction. The article notes that this friction has been real enough that, for many people, it helped justify buying an iPhone.
The shift comes as Android phone makers push harder to close the integration gap with Apple’s ecosystem. The report points to efforts by Google, Samsung, and other developers to improve cross-device continuity and connected services—making AirDrop, once seen as an untouchable Apple fortress, more of a parity feature.
Restrictions and current limitations
The rollout remains measured. Only devices on the official list can use the function, suggesting specific hardware or software requirements.
The article suggests Apple may be testing compatibility with certain Android versions, specific chips, or selected partner manufacturers before expanding support more broadly.
For owners of older Android phones—or models not included—nothing changes. They remain stuck with the more fragmented sharing options that have traditionally characterized Android. But for those who do get access, the report argues the improvement could meaningfully affect daily use—and potentially influence future buying decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Which Android smartphones can use AirDrop? Only certain selected Android models have access to the feature for now. Apple has established a specific list of compatible smartphones, without extending it to all devices.
Was AirDrop exclusive to Apple before? Yes. For years, AirDrop has been a major advantage of Apple’s ecosystem, enabling instant wireless sharing between iPhone and Mac. That capability remained inaccessible to Android users until now.
Why is Apple opening AirDrop gradually? The article says Apple is taking a cautious approach, first testing the opening of its proprietary technologies on a limited scope before any broader rollout.
What changes for Android users? Owners of compatible Android smartphones can now send files via AirDrop in a matter of seconds—an experience difference that previously only Apple users could take advantage of.
