Samsung Galaxy S26 Gains AirDrop Support via Quick Share
Samsung is expanding AirDrop compatibility to its Galaxy S26 series through an update to Quick Share, initially launching in Korea and now rolling out to the US. This feature allows for seamless file sharing between Galaxy S26 devices and Apple iPhones, iPads and Macs.
Rollout and Availability
The rollout began on March 23rd in Korea and has been progressively expanding to other regions. Users in California, Washington DC, Texas, and other parts of the US are now reporting receiving the update. Samsung announced the initial rollout on Sunday night.
What You Require to Know
To utilize the new AirDrop functionality, Galaxy S26 owners should glance for a firmware update ending in “AZCF.” It’s also necessary to have Google Play Services v26.11.XX or newer installed. Samsung confirmed that AirDrop is enabled by default within Quick Share settings, though both devices will need to be set to “Everyone” mode for the feature to function.
Compatible Devices
Currently, AirDrop support is exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series, including the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. Support for older Galaxy models has not been announced, but may be added in future updates. The feature is also available on the Pixel 10, marking a broader trend toward cross-platform compatibility.
Quick Share and AirDrop Compatibility
This integration represents a significant step towards bridging the gap between Android and iOS ecosystems. Previously, Quick Share and AirDrop were platform-specific, creating friction when sharing files between users on different operating systems. Samsung’s adoption of AirDrop support through Quick Share simplifies this process, offering a more convenient user experience.
One UI 8.5 Update Details
The update bringing AirDrop support is part of Samsung’s One UI 8.5 release. The update size is approximately 870MB. Whereas the update doesn’t include a security patch update to March 2026, its primary function is to enable file sharing with Apple devices. The update includes a toggle for “Share with Apple devices” in Quick Share settings, which is enabled by default.
Looking Ahead
Samsung’s move to support AirDrop is part of a larger industry trend toward greater interoperability between platforms. As Google and other manufacturers expand AirDrop compatibility, users can expect a more seamless experience when sharing files across different devices. Further announcements regarding expansion to additional devices are anticipated.