Samsung is expanding a Quick Share upgrade that brings AirDrop-like file sharing to more Galaxy devices, including older models. The move could let selected Galaxy phones send files directly to nearby iPhone, iPad, and Mac users without relying on third-party apps.
The feature first appeared on the Galaxy S26 line, but recent reports indicate Samsung is now testing it on previous-generation Galaxy phones as well. The rollout is still limited and appears to depend on software readiness, server-side activation, and support from Android 16 and One UI 8.5.
A Wider Push for Cross-Platform Sharing
Samsung has long used Quick Share as its answer to Apple’s AirDrop, but the tool historically worked best inside Android and Samsung’s own ecosystem. The new direction changes that by aiming at cross-platform sharing, one of the biggest pain points for people who switch between Android and Apple devices.
According to reporting from GadgetDIVA and leak information shared by Tarun Vats, Samsung has started adding a new “Share with Apple devices” option through updates to Quick Share-related components. Those components include Quick Share, Quick Share Agent, and Quick Share Connectivity.
That new menu signals Samsung’s intent to make file transfers easier between ecosystems. If the rollout reaches full stability, users could move photos, videos, and documents across devices much more quickly than before.
Which Galaxy Models May Get It
The feature does not appear to be locked only to the newest flagship devices. Early signs suggest Samsung is extending support to several older Galaxy models already in circulation.
Based on the current reports, devices that may receive the feature include:
- Galaxy S22
- Galaxy S23
- Galaxy S24
- Galaxy S25
- Galaxy Z Fold 7
- Galaxy A56
- Galaxy A55
- Galaxy A36
The list is still not final, and Samsung has not issued a broad public release note for every model mentioned. Some devices may get support later than others, and some may never receive it if hardware or software limits prevent stable operation.
How the Feature Appears to Work
The reported Quick Share update seems designed to let Galaxy users discover Apple devices nearby and share files directly. In theory, that should make it possible to move content between a Samsung phone and an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with fewer steps.
However, the feature is not fully operational yet on older Galaxy devices. Tarun Vats noted that even when the “Share with Apple devices” option appears, nearby Apple hardware is not always detected on either side.
That suggests Samsung is still testing the backbone of the system. The visible option may be in place, but the transfer layer behind it has not been fully activated for public use.
Why the Rollout Is Not Universal Yet
Samsung appears to be using a gradual release strategy for this feature. That usually means the company can control who gets access first, test for bugs, and adjust compatibility before opening it to everyone.
Several reports also point to extra update requirements. Some users said the feature did not appear until they updated not only the phone firmware, but also Google Play System and Google Play services.
That points to a complex setup behind the scenes. The feature may depend on a combination of device software, Google services, and Samsung’s own server-side switches before it becomes visible and usable.
What Software May Be Required
There are also signs that Samsung wants the feature tied to newer software versions. Galaxy Club reports that cross-platform sharing may require Android 16 and stable One UI 8.5.
If that is correct, users on older Android versions may need to update before they see the feature at all. Some devices may still miss out if they cannot run the required software smoothly.
For now, that makes the rollout uneven. A user with a compatible Galaxy phone may see the option while another user with the same model does not, simply because the backend activation has not reached them yet.
Why This Matters for Galaxy and iPhone Users
The biggest value of the update is convenience. Many people use phones, tablets, and laptops from both Samsung and Apple, and file transfer across those ecosystems has often felt clumsy.
Direct sharing could reduce friction in daily work and personal use. A person could move a photo from a Galaxy phone to an iPhone for immediate posting, or transfer a presentation from a Mac to a Galaxy tablet without emailing it or using cloud storage.
The update could also benefit mixed-device households and office environments. In those settings, people often need to send files quickly without stopping to configure accounts, apps, or cables.
What Users Need to Know Before Expecting It
The feature is still in testing, so users should avoid assuming it is already available in full form. Some devices may show the option before it actually works, and others may not show anything until Samsung pushes the final activation.
Here are the key points to watch:
- The feature started on the Galaxy S26 line.
- Older Galaxy phones are now receiving signs of support.
- The “Share with Apple devices” option may appear in Quick Share updates.
- Actual detection of Apple devices is still unreliable in testing.
- Android 16 and One UI 8.5 may be required for full support.
- Some Galaxy A-series models may be included, but not all are guaranteed.
Samsung has not yet announced a full public launch date for every eligible device. That means the feature could still change before it reaches stable release.
A Sign of a More Open Samsung Ecosystem
Samsung’s move reflects a broader shift in the consumer tech market. Users increasingly expect phones to communicate across brands, not stay locked inside one ecosystem.
If Quick Share gains stable support for iPhone, iPad, and Mac transfers, Samsung could remove one of the most annoying barriers for Android users. It would also put more pressure on Apple and other companies to improve cross-platform compatibility in a market where people rarely rely on just one brand.
For now, the update remains unfinished but notable, especially because it is reaching beyond the newest Galaxy flagships. If Samsung completes the rollout as reported, Quick Share could become one of the most practical file-sharing tools on mobile, not just inside Android, but across the wider mix of devices people use every day.
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