Google Quietly Prepares Major iPhone Feature Boost For Pixel 9
AirDrop functionality could soon arrive for Google's Pixel 9 series smartphones, bringing a significant upgrade for Android users.
Key Takeaways:
- New Android code suggests the Pixel 9 series will gain "AirDrop" compatibility. The code now appears in the latest Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 release.
- The feature, first introduced on the Pixel 10, allows direct wireless file transfers between Android and iOS devices, bridging the gap between the two ecosystems.
- This is an unofficial implementation by Google, with important limitations. It works only in a specific mode and is subject to potential changes by Apple.
Update: Pixel 9 series AirDrop system files are now present in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2, bringing AirDrop capability one step closer. This article was originally published on Jan 13.
Google's Pixel 9 users are in for a treat: AirDrop compatibility with iPhones. This feature, initially exclusive to the Pixel 10, is now making its way to the latest generation of Pixel devices.
Last year, Google made headlines by reverse-engineering Apple's AirDrop protocol, enabling direct wireless file transfers between Pixel 10 series devices and iPhones and Macs. By integrating AirDrop into Android's Quick Share, Google effectively broke into Apple's "walled garden," allowing AirDrop-compatible transfers on Android for the first time.
Android Authority reports that Google is now expanding this capability to the Pixel 9 range, offering hope for a gradual rollout to older Pixel devices. Evidence of this appears in Google's latest Android "Canary" build, which adds new AirDrop-related system files for the Pixel 9 series, excluding the budget Pixel 9a model.
While testers haven't successfully enabled AirDrop on a Pixel 9 yet, the code confirms Google's ongoing development efforts. The question remains: Will older Pixel devices like the Pixel 8 series receive AirDrop support?
The technical details are intriguing. The leaked system files indicate that even the aging Pixel 7 series supports the required Wi-Fi Direct protocols and Android 16. However, the likelihood of receiving major new features decreases with the age of the device.
The Catch: Google's Workaround
The catch lies in Apple's lack of authorization for Google's AirDrop implementation. It's an unofficial workaround that allows Quick Share-enabled devices to communicate with Apple's proprietary file transfer protocol. This means it operates in a specific mode and is subject to potential changes by Apple.
As an unofficial feature, Apple could introduce a "fix" that renders Google's workaround obsolete. For more insights, read Google's Security Blog post on AirDrop interoperability and their "Secure by Design" approach to data security.
Impact: Removing Friction to Switch
AirDrop support could be a game-changer for users considering a switch from iOS to Android. It removes a significant friction point in the transition process, allowing Apple users to transfer files seamlessly between their iPhone, MacBook, and iPad.
With AirDrop, customers can choose a Pixel device while retaining the ability to share files with friends and family. This feature has the potential to attract iOS users who were previously hesitant to explore Android.
Update: AirDrop System Files in Beta 2
The latest Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 release includes AirDrop system files for the Pixel 9 series, marking a significant step forward. However, it's still not functional for end users, as reported by AssembleDebug's Telegram group.
The good news is that Google has likely completed the experimental phase and is preparing for a wider release. The next beta update, Android 16 QPR3 Beta 3, is expected in February and is likely to be feature-complete. If the AirDrop system files remain, they will likely make the cut for the final stable release.
However, Google can activate individual features at any time, so the timeline remains uncertain.
